Recreated 42nd Grenadier Company

Photo courtesy of Susan R. Gable

4th

British Grenadier Battalion Order Book, Kept by Adjutant and Lieutenant

John Peebles, Grenadier Company, 42nd

or Royal Highland Regiment,

August 1 to October 17, 1776

Transcribed and Edited by Paul Pace, Spring City, Tennessee, February 2012

Introduction to the Transcription

Each British infantry serving in America during the War for Independence had a grenadier company,

which was historically positioned on the right flank of the line when serving with the regiment in the

field. This positioning caused them to be termed a “flank company” as was also each regiment’s light

infantry company which formed on the left flank of the arrayed line.

Captain Bennet Cuthbertson’s 1776 manual for the management of a battalion of infantry describes the

selection of grenadiers indicating that “…the Grenadier Company is to be constantly kept compleat, from

the best and tallest Men in the Regiment…, and have such Men only in it, as are perfect masters of their

business… as experience proves that [a] Grenadier Company, which covers most ground when under

Arms,[is] to be much superior in point of Marching, and every sort of fatigue…”

Except during a brief period following the return to the New York area in 1778, the grenadier companies,

rather than actually remaining with their “home” regiments, were as a general rule detached from those

regiments to form composite grenadier battalions. Two such battalions were formed at Halifax on May

14, 1776, from the regiments that had been at Boston. A third battalion was formed in 1776 from the

grenadiers of the regiments that had been with Lieut. Gen. Henry Clinton’s unsuccessful attempt to take

Charleston, South Carolina.

Following the arrival of the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment and the 71st (or Fraser’s Highland)

Regiment at New York in July and August, 1776, General Sir William Howe ordered the formation of a

fourth grenadier battalion under the command of Major the Honorable Charles Stuart, 43rd Regiment of

Foot. The battalion was made up of three large Highland grenadier companies from the two Highland

regiments. Captain Charles Graham’s grenadier company of the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment was

authorized one captain, three lieutenants, five sergeants, five corporals, two drummers, two pipers (who

stayed with the regiment) and one hundred privates, for a total of 116 officers and men. Although the

grenadier company of the 1st Battalion, 71st Regiment was captured at Boston in June 1776, a company

was reformed at New York under Captain Francis Skelly and was of similar strength to Graham’s.

Captain Patrick Campbell’s grenadier company from the 2nd Battalion, 71st Regiment was the third

company of the new 4th British Grenadier Battalion.

About six weeks after its formation, a significant number of the men of the 4th Grenadier Battalion had

become sick and on September 19 Major Stuart issued a battalion order to address the situation writing

“... By the Number of Sick men that have lately been sent to the Hospital & those that daily complain, the

Commanding Officer has great reason to fear that the Battalion in a few weeks will be incapable of doing

duty, to prevent which disgrace falling upon a Corps of Grenadrs. It is the Majors orders that a

NonCommissioned Officer per Company see that the Men bath or wash their feet thrice a Week. The

Commanding Officers of Compys. to be answerable that this order is comply’d with – An Officer of a

Compy. to visit the Messes of their respective Compys. daily & to Specify in a Written Report if the Messes

are properly regulated & provisions Cook’d –“ Based on a later order it appears that most of the sick

were from the two 71st Grenadier companies.

By early October, Maj. Stuart’s prediction on the state of the battalion came true and General Orders were

issued on Oct. 8, 1776 that “... The two 71st. Grenadier Company’s of the 4th. Battn. Grenadrs. being very

Sickly are to join their Regt. The 42d. Grenadr. Company of said Battn. will join the 3d. Battn. of Grenadrs.

under the Command of Major Marsh and Major Stewart.”

During it brief existence the 4th British Grenadier Battalion was active in the 1776 campaign in the New

York area including the following engagements:

Aug. 22, 1776 Lands on Long Island in first wave of amphibious assault. Aug. 26-27, 1776 In Battle of Long Island, Grenadier battalion part of Gen. Howe’s right

flank attack. Sept. 15, 1776 Grenadiers are part of first wave at Kip’s Bay landing on Manhattan

Island. Sept. 16, 1776 Supported Light Infantry and 42nd Highlanders in the Battle of Harlem

Heights, New York.

Key Documents

Captain Bennet Cuthbertson’s Comments on Grenadier Selection, London, 1776

As the Grenadier Company is to be constantly kept compleat, from the best and tallest Men in the

Regiment, whenever the Captain of it wants a Man to compleat, or improve it, he should fix on one in the

Battalion Companies, and then apply to the Commanding-Officer, who, if he approves of the Man fixed

on by the Captain, will of course order him to the Grenadiers, and if only an exchange was desired, will

direct the worst looking Man of the Grenadiers to be transferred to the Battalion.

That none of the Battalion Companies may in particular suffer, by giving away their best Men to

the Grenadiers, and in their room, receiving those of a more indifferent figure, it will be necessary to

establish a Roster, for furnishing them by turns, beginning with the eldest Company, and so down to the

youngest, by which means, it will not signify from which of them the choice is made, as the Captain, from

whose Company the Grenadier is taken, has by this method, a right (if it is not his turn to furnish one) to

demand the best man from that Company, whose turn it appears to be on the Roster: in this case, the Man

transferred from the Grenadiers must join that Company; or if the demand for a Grenadier was to

compleat, the vacancy would remain in the Company, whose turn it was to give one.

Recruits are improper for the Grenadiers, as that Company should always appear at Exercise, as

compleat as possible, and have such Men only in it, as are perfect masters of their business: it will also be

necessary, during the low establishment in time of Peace, for each Battalion-Company occasionally to

strengthen the Grenadiers, at Exercise, with an additional Man, who must be of a proper size and figure,

and in every respect cloathed and appointed like a Grenadier.

It is a mistaken notion, that size alone is a qualification for Grenadier, if a full face, broad

shoulders, and well proportioned legs do not accompany it, his figure does no great credit to the

judgement of whoever chose him, as experience proves that Grenadier Company, which covers most

ground when under Arms, to be much superior in point of Marching, and every sort of fatigue, to one,

which only boasts of Size.

Source: Cuthbertson’s System for the Complete Interior Management and Œconomy of a Battalion of Infantry, Capt.

Bennet Cuthbertson, Printed for A. Gray, London, 1776, Google Books, pp.15-17.

General Order Forming the 4th

British Grenadier Battalion, Staten Island, New York,

August 6, 1776

Dyker’s ferry, 6th. Augt. 1776...

The Corps de Reserve consists of 4 Battalions of Grenadrs., 33d. and 42d. Regts. The 4th. Battn. of

Grenadrs. to be formed of the Grenadier Company of the 42d. Regt. and two Grenadr. Companies of the

71st. Regt. under the Command of Maj. [Hon. Charles] Stuart of the 43d. Regt.

Source: 4th British Grenadier Battalion Order Book.

Excerpt of Account of the 4th

British Grenadier Battalion at the Landing at Kip’s Bay and the

Battle of Harlem Heights by Major the Hon. Charles Stuart, 43rd

Regt., September 15-16, 1776

Blomindel Heights Camp, Sept. 26, 1776

On the 16th [15th] of this month we marched from Newtown Camp, and the Corps of Reserve

consisting of three Battalions of Lt. Infantry, the German Jagers, my Battalion of Highland grenadiers, the

42nd and 33rd Regts., embarked on board flat-bottomed boats in Newtown Creek, from whence we

proceeded on our way to land upon New York Island. A 50 gun ship and two Frigates were drawn up to

cover the landing.

Upon the enemy perceiving our boats, they sent several columns of men to line sunk breast-works

that they had previously made to prevent a landing. We steered to the right and landed about three miles

above the town under an incessant fire from the shipping.

A more glorious scene I never beheld; the thunder of the ships, the appearance of the enemy, the

ardor of our troops, the whole army drawn up on Long Island ready to support us, surpassed everything of

magnificence. So well did the army do their business that the enemy evacuated their lines, and we landed

without opposition.

We immediately rush’d for wood and took possession of a Hill about a mile from the spot where

we landed. In our way we had some skirmishes in which our Brigadier Gen. [John] Vaughan was

wounded, and some few men of the Hessians; when the whole army was landed we proceeded on the

Harlem road to these Heights. The enemy made a show of giving us battle several times as they retreated;

we lay on our arms that night. The next morning we were alarmed by some musquetry on the left, the

grenadiers were ordered to march to the support of two Battalions [2nd and 3rd] of Lt. Infantry who, with

more zeal than prudence, had ventured too near the enemy, which gave [American Gen. George]

Washington the advantage of trying a ruse which had nearly proved fatal to them all.

Gen. [Sir William] Howe had sent a small party to take possession of a house, which was

effected; then Washington, to decoy them still further, took possession of the next house, having flung a

thousand men into the woods right and left hoping to surround them. Upon our coming to their

assistance, we found our people smartly engaged, hemmed in and almost surrounded.

The Lt. Infantry were ordered to retire, which they were enabled to do under cover of three

Companies of the 42nd.

In this brush we had more than 100 killed and wounded, three men of my Batt. wounded, and,

what was more singular, my dog as he was lying by me. We afterwards encamped on this spot.

Source: New Records of the American Revolution, The Letters, Manuscripts and Documents sent by Lieut.-General Sir

Charles Stuart, to his Father, the Earl of Bute, 1775-79…, Published by L. Kashnor, London, 1927, p. 11. Contrary to

Stewart’s account there were five ships supporting the landing and the 42nd Regt. crossed the East River in a transport

as part of the second wave, not in the first wave flatboats.

General Order Disbanding the 4th

British Grenadier Battalion, New York, October 8, 1776

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 8th. Octr. 1776...

The two 71st. Grenadier Company’s of the 4th. Battn. Grenadrs. being very Sickly are to join their

Regt. The 42d. Grenadr. Company of said Battn. will join the 3d. Battn. of Grenadrs. under the Command of

Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regiment] and Major [Hon. Charles] Stewart [43rd Regiment].

Source: 4th British Grenadier Battalion Order Book.

Definition of Grenadier from Military Dictionary, London, 1778

Grenadier. A foot soldier, armed with a sword, firelock, bayonet, and a pouch to hold his

grenades. They are cloathed differently from the rest of the battalion, and wear high caps. Each regiment

of late years has a company of grenadiers, which take always the right of the battalion. The grenadiers

are generally the tallest and briskest fellows, and always the first upon attacks...

Source and Note: A Military Dictionary, Explaining and Describing the technical Terms, Phrases, Works, and

Machines used in the Science of War, Printed for G. Robinson, London, 1778. Although published in 1778, this

definition had been used at least as early as 1745. By the period of the American war, grenades were no longer used by

the grenadier battalions.

Identified Officers

42nd or Royal Highland Regiment Grenadier Company

Capt. Charles Graham

Lt. John Peebles (Duty as Adjutant)

Lt. William Graham

Lt. Harry Gilchrist

1st and 2nd Bn., 71st Highland Regiment Grenadier Companies

Capt. Francis Skelly 1st Bn.

Capt. Patrick Campbell 2nd

Bn. Lt. David Kinlock

Lt. Thomas Fraser

Lt. Dougald Campbell

Lt. Patrick Cumming

Lt. James Fraser

Lt. George Stewart

Lt. Thomas Fraser

Ens. Angus McDonald

Transcription Standards

Information in square brackets was added by the transcriber/editor. The spelling is as shown in the

original order books. Many of the words are phonetically spelled. In general, abbreviated words have the

last letter of the word shown in superscript as in the original document. Occasionally line spaces were

inserted to separate battalion and higher organization orders.

Following the end of the Order Book for the 4th Grenadier Battalion, Lieutenant John Peebles continued

to document his experiences in the American war. His journal has been published by The Army Records

Society as John Peebles’ American War, edited by Ira D. Gruber, Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg (Pa.),

1998. The 4th British Grenadier Battalion order book was not included in this work.

Acknowledgements:

The author is indebted to Mr. Ed Brumby of Elgin, Scotland for his generous information on the 71st

Highland Regiment and to Bob McDonald for his comments on the introduction. The book British Army

Officers Who Served in the American Revolution 1775 – 1783, by Steven M. Baule with Stephen Gilbert

(Heritage Books, 2004) was essential in the identification of many of the officers in the orders. The

responsibility, however, for any errors in identification of the officers lies with the editor of this

transcript.

Copyright

This document may be used for private research but may not be published without permission of the

copyright owner.

Copyright © 2012 by Paul L. Pace

All rights reserved.

The Honble Major General Charles Stuart, London, J. Grozer, 1794,

Color mezzotint by Grozer after George Romney

Courtesy of Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library

Order Book

Orderly Book

4th Battn Grenadrs

4th Battalion Grenadiers

Notes: Although the original notebook is labeled as above, the first portion of the notebook, from July 30, 1776 to Aug.

15, 1776, is a 42nd Regt. order book. The 4th Grenadier Battalion orders begin after Aug. 16, 1776, when the author, Lt.

John Peebles, is appointed Adjutant of the 4th British Grenadier Battalion. At the beginning of the order book the 42nd

and 71st Regiments had just arrived at New York after sailing together from Greenock, Scotland on Apr. 29, 1776.

Ship Greyhound Sandy hook 30 Juni 1776

General Orders

The Army to Land on the Shortest Notice –

As the Inhabitants of this Country are known to be well affected to Government and consequently

have suffer’d great depredations from the Rebels, The Commander in Chief [Gen. Sir William Howe]

fully convinced of the superiority & humanity of the Troops under his Command, recommends to their

protection the families & property of the People of the Country – Any person belonging to the Army, or

Transports found guilty of plundering, & any soldier stragling from his platoon, will be executed on the

Spot.

The flatboats to be immediately hoisted and a sentry kept always onboard of them for their

security – no boat to be Allow’d to go on shore on any Account

Sign’d J: Patterson

Adjt. Genl.

Head Qrs. Dykers ferry Staten Island 1st. August 1776 –

Parole Hanover Cr. Sign Bolhon

The 1st. Brigade to furnish a Working party of a Capt 2 Subs. & 100 Men for 3 days to parade at

the Watering place near the Artillery Encampment tomorrow Morng. at 5 O’Clock –

Upon the removal of the Army each Regiment (the Artillery, Light Dragoons Light Infantry

Grenrs. 42d. & 71st. Regts. excepted) will Embark on board one Ship only; The Commanding Officers of

Regts. will therefore immediately move their Women & heavy Baggage out of the Ship they make choice

of to contain the Regt. & put them on board of the second Ship, to be prepared to make room for their

Camp Equipage –

The Light Infantry, Grenadiers, 4th. 42d. 43d. & 71st. Regts. are to receive their orders of

Embarkation from the D.Q.M.Gl.

Reports in writing to be made to the Adjt. Genl. as soon as the above order is complied with –

The Infantry without exception is order’d upon all occasions to form two deep with the files at

eighteen inches interval till further orders.

A Pacquet to Sail in a few days for England: all letters to be sent to the Adjt. Generals Clerk –

Regtal. Orders for States of Companys Excercise Morng. & Eveng., the Qr. Mr. to receive 5 Butts

of Porter & take an Account of the Camp Equipage & blankets on Borad [sic]Ship.

Notes: The “Watering place” was a brook near present day Tompkinsville, Staten Island that was used by ships to

replenish their water supplies. The “D.Q.M.Gl” is the abbreviation for the Deputy Quartermaster General. “Regtal

Orders” or regimental orders (sometimes abbreviated further as R.O.) are those issued by the regimental commander,

Lt. Col. Thomas Stirling in contrast to the “General Orders” issued by Gen. Sir William Howe. It is Lt. Peebles’ style

to often leave out the term “General Orders” and list only the date of the order. He does, however, always designate

the regimental orders (R.O) or grenadier battalion orders (B.O.).

Head Qrs. Dykers ferry Staten Island, 2d. Augt 76

Parole Clinton Cr. Sign [sic]

Four days provisions will be issued to the Troops tomorrow as usual.

John Hunter, private Soldier of his Majesty’s 42d. Regt. try’d by the Genl. Court Martial of which

Lt. Col. Sir Henry Calder [49th Regt.] is Presidt. for disirtion The Court is of Opinion that the prisoner is

guilty of the Crime laid to his charge & therefore adjudge him to suffer death.

The Comr. in Chief is pleas’d to approve of the Sentence, and to order the Court Martial to be

dissolved –

States of the Eight Regiments under the Command of Lieut. General [Henry] Clinton that have

join’d the Army, to be made up agreeable to a form that will be delivered to them by the Dy. Adjt. Genl.,

and given tomorrow at orderly time – The Light Infantry & Grenadrs. of those Regiments are to continue

under the Command of the Officers appointed by Lt. Genl. Clinton.

The 50th. Regt. to remain on board of Ship till further orders.

The Regts. Encamp’d are strictly forbid to destroy any Enclosures or fences or commit any

depredations Whatsoever.

The Major of Brigades of the Corps will receive a Copy of the Standing Orders of the Army

which he will immediately communicate to the respective Regts. –

R: O) [Regimental Order] When the Men disembark, they are to take nothing with them, but 3

Shirts, 2 prs of hose & their Leggings which are to be put up neatly in their packs, leaving their knapsacks

& all their other necessaries on board o [sic] Ship which are carefully to be laid up by the Commanding

Officers of Companys in the safest manor they can contrive. A small guard to be left on board each ship

and only 4 Women per Comy to come ashore.

Note: Lt. Gen. Clinton was arriving in New York from his unsuccessful attempt to seize Charleston, S.C. “Majors of

Brigade” were the principal staff officers of the brigade commanders.

Dykers ferry 3d. Augt. 1776

Parole Cornwallis Cr. Sign Willimstadt

The Regts. under the Command of Lieut. Genl. [Henry] Clinton that have lately join’d the Army

are to be paid to the 24 Augt. inclusive by [Dep. Paymaster Richard] Molesworth Esqr.

Those that have Recruits on board are immediately to send for them –

Dykers ferry, 4th. Augt. 1776

Parole Vaughan Cr. Sign Berwick

A working party of a Capt. 2 Subs. & 100 Men for 3 days to be furnish’d by the 42d. & 71st. Regts.

to parade at the Watering place near the Artillery Encampment at 5 O’Clock tomorrow Morning.

L: Col. [Thomas] Stirlings Ordrs [sic]

The 42d. takes the working party tomorrow, the 71st. to have it for tuesday and wednesday.

Note: After the loss of a number of transports captured by the Americans, there were about 900 soldiers of the 42nd

Regt. and 1500 soldiers of the 71st Regt. available for duty. Accordingly the working parties are weighted by

regimental strength.

Dykers ferry, 5th. Augt. 1776

Parole Chichester Cr. Sign Richmond

The 50th. Regt. to be in readiness to be drafted immediately –

Sir William Erskine is appointed Brigadier Genl in America –

Major [Hon. Henry] Johnston of the 28th. Regt. is appointed to the Command of the 3d. Battn.

Light Infantry –Lieut. [Bryan] Bell of the 4th. Regt. is appointed Aid de Camp to Major Genl. [John]

Vaughan and is to be observed as such –

The Provision Guard at Watson ferry to be Augmented to one Subaltern 2 Serjts. 2 Corpls. & 20

privates –

Dyker’s ferry, 6th. Augt. 1776

Parole Goodwoad –

Four days Provisions will be issued to the Troops tomorrow as usual

The Regts. lately join’d the Army under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton are posted as

follows:

The 5th. Regt to the 1st. Brigade

28th. do. 2d. do.

37th. do. 3d. do.

46th. do. 4th. do.

54th. do. 5th. do.

57th. do. 6th. do.

The Corps de Reserve consists of 4 Battalions of Grenadrs., 33d. and 42d. Regts. The 4th. Battn. of

Grenadrs. to be formed of the Grenadier Company of the 42d. Regt . and two Grenadr. Companies of the

71st. Regt. under the Command of Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart of the 43d. Regt. –

Lieut. Genl. [Henry] Clinton will Command the 1st. Line of British, Lieut. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy

the 2d. and Lieut. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis with Major Genl. [John] Vaughan the Reserve.

The 42d. Regt. to be formed into two Battalions, under the Command of Lieut. Coll. [Thomas]

Stirling. – [Brevet] Major [William] Grant of that Regt. is appointed second Major to it. The 71st. Regt. to

be form’d into three Battns. under the Command of Brigr. Genl. Sir Willm. Erskine – The Light Company

of the 42d. Regt. to join the 1st. Battn. Light Infry.

The 57 Recruits raised for the 26th. Regt. are to be turn’d over to the following Regts. the first 40

on the list to 23d. Regt. The remainder to be equally divided between the 4th. 5th. 38th. & 43d. Regts.

A Serjt & 4 Light Dragoons to mount at Head Qrs at 6 O’Clock in the Morning till further Orders.

The Regts. that have lately join’d are to apply immediately to the Artillery Store for Materials to

make up cartridges to complete them to the order of 60 p man.

All Application for forage to be made to Mr [George] Brinley at the forage Camp, where

attendance will be constantly given –

A Return of the Effective Horses of the Officers of the 17th. Dragoons to be given in tomorrow at

orderly time.

The Regts. in Camp near the Watering place to take the Guard of Provision Store till further

Orders – Note: The reserve was considered a position of honor. Lt. Gen. Charles, Earl Cornwallis was the Colonel of the 33rd

Regt. which likely explains its selection for the reserve under the command of the Earl. In this order the 1st and 2nd Bn.,

71st Regts, which lost about 500 men to the rebel navy, are being split further into three temporary battalions for service

in America.

Dykers Ferry 7th. Augt. 1781 [sic]

Parole Spithead Cr Sn

A list of the Officers of each Regt. to be given tomorrow, Specifying the Rank & date of their

Commissions –

Muster rolls to be immediately prepared by the 17th. Light Dragoons, the 15th. 28th. 33d. 37th. 46th.

54th. & 57th. Regts. of foot from the time they were last Mustered to the 24th. June inclusive –

The Commissary of Musters will wait on the Comg officer of course & fix the time for their being

muster’d –

The 15th. 28th. 33d. 37th. 46th. 54th. & 57th. Regts. to give a working party for 3 days of a Capt. 2

Subs. & 100 Men to parade at 5 O’Clock tomorrow Morg. & to receive their orders from the Engineer –

The Commandg. Officer of course, contiguous to the Watering place are upon no Account to suffer the

water to be disturb’d, & will order sentries to be placed as he shall judge proper for that purpose –

A Corpl. & six Men from the Corps of Grenadrs. lately Arrived to mount tomorrow Morng at 6 as

a guard at the Genl. hospital near the Artillery Encampment

Lieut [Ralph] Gladstanes Light Company 28th. Regt. is appointed to act as Adjutant to the 3d.

Battalion of Light Infantry, Serjt. Hewlett of the 37th. Regt. to act as Quarter Mr. to the said Battn.

R:O: ) The 9 companies to parade tomorrow Morng. on the Exercising ground at Reveille beating –

Notes: The rebel brig Andrew Doria captured the transport Oxford carrying Capt. John Smith’s Company on May 29

on the way to America. Accordingly there were only nine companies in the 42nd Regt. present at this time.

Staten Island 8th. Augt. 1776

Morng. Regimental Orders.

[Brevet] Major [William] Grant is appointed to Captn. [Charles] Grahams Company & Captn

Graham is appointed to the Grenadiers. –

Lieut. [Harry] Gilchrist is appointed to the Grenadr. Company in room of Lt. [Alexander] Munro

who is appointed to Capt. [Archibald] Erskines, Lieut. [Thomas] Lyttleton to the Light Infantry in room of

Lieut. [James] Cramond Appointed to the Majors.

The Grenadr. Company to March tomorrow Morning to Richmond & join their Brigade

[battalion] under the Command of Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart and receive their orders from him.

The Light Infantry Compy. to march at same time & join the 1st Battn under the Command of

Major Brigr

Genl. [Hon. Alexander] Leslie & receive their orders from him. [Brevet] Major [William]

Grants & [Brevet] Major [Duncan] McPhersons Compys. to take up their Quarters –

Notes: Although a Brevet-Major, William Grant held a captain’s position as the grenadier company commander when

appointed to command the 2nd Bn. Accordingly he had to give up command of the grenadier company to Capt.

Graham, and took Capt. Graham’s “battalion company” in the 2nd Bn. Lt. Peebles recognized Alexander Leslie was a

brigadier general and wrote “Brigr” above “Major” in the order.

Genl. Orders 8th. Augt. 1776

Parole Carrisbrook.

Capt. [Archibald] Erskine of the 42d. Regt. is appointed Major of Brigade –

The prisoner John Hunter of the 42d Regt is to suffer death on Monday the 12th instt in

consequence of the sentence of a Genl Court Martial of which Lt Col Sir Harry Calder was President. –

Notes: The Major of Brigade was the primary staff officer of the brigade commander. Initially Erskine was major of

brigade to Brig. Gen. Sir William Erskine who commanded a brigade made up of three temporary battalions of the 71st

Highland Regt.

Dykers ferry Staten Island 9th. Augt. 76

Parole Redbridge –

The 3d. Battn. of Light Infantry to be under the Command of Brigr. Genl. [Hon. Alexander] Leslie

The Regts. lately join’d the Army are for the future to make out all Returns upon the new

Establishment –

The 50th. Regt. to parade tomorrow Morng at 8 O’Clock to be drafted on the Exercising ground of

the 5th Brigade –

Necessary Rolls for each Man to be prepared – The Mens Accots to be Settled to the 24th. Augt.

inclusive & the Balances to be deliver’d over to the Regts. that receive them – each draft to have his Arms

Accoutrements & Ammunition compleat.

The Adjutants of the 4th. 5th. 10th. 17th. 22d. 23d. 38th. 43d. 44th. 45th. 40th. [sic] 49th. 52d. 63 [sic] &

64th Regts. to Attend to receive their drafts and the Mens Accots. –

The Regts. lately join’d the Army under the Command of L

t. Gen

l. [Henry] Clinton will as soon as

possible remove their heavy Baggage & Women to the Transports allotted to them for that purpose of

which they will make a Report to the Adjt. Genl.

Dykers ferry Staten Island, 10th. Augt. 1776 –

Parole Stockbridge.

The Regt. Encampd who have got upon bad ground have permission to change it as their

Commanding Officers shall think most expedient – Strict orders to be given to fill up the necessary

houses before any Regt. Attempts to move.

Capt. [Henry] Bruen of the 63d. Regt. is appointed Deputy Qr Mr. Genl. to the Army

Lieut. [James] Cramond 42d. Regt. is appointed an Assistant to the Adjt. Genls. Department.

The Troops will receive 4 days Provisions as usual –

The Regts.. Encamp’d near the Watering place are to furnish a Working party for 3 days of a Capt.

2 Subs. & 100 men to morrow Morng. at 5 OClock in front of the Artillery Encampment .–

Dykers ferry 11th. Augt. 1776 –

G: O:) The Picquets of the 1st. & 3d. Brigade Under the Command of a Field Officer to parade

tomorrow Morning at 10 O’Clock at Dykers ferry to attend the Execution of John Hunter soldier in the

42d. Regt condemned to suffer death for desertion by sentence of Genl. Court Martial. Lt Col. [William]

Butler 38th. [Regt.] for this duty –

Forty Cartridge Boxes containing 18 rounds ball Cartridges each to be delivered from the

Artillery Store to Major [Hon. Henry] Johnston of the Light Compy. 28th. Regt. –

Dykers ferry 12th. Augt. 1776

Parole Georgi Cr Sign Prince of Wales

The Troops to be provided till further notice with three days salt provisions & three days bread

drest, those Corps who have not convenience for Cooking their provisions on shore must have it dressd

on board their Transports –

A Return to be given in to the Adjt. Genl. of the names of such Men as have been employed & do

understand carrying works by sap, Should there be occasion for these sappers they will be paid according

to the nature of their work – when they are not immediately employ’d on that service they will assist the

facine layers and receive the usual Allowance of 1 shilling p day & ½ a pint rum each man.

A Return to be given in to the Adjt. Genl. of such Men as thoroughly understand facine laying – A

Return to be given in to the Chief Engineer of the Several working parties that have been employ’d in that

department since the Troops arrived in Staten Island to the 10th. Augt. inclusive that pay lists may be

made out, when the QrMasters of the different Corps will be acquainted therewith & directed where to

receive the Money that the whole may be immediately paid –

The 42d. and 71st. Regts to be in readiness to be muster’d, the Commissary of Musters will wait on

the Commanding Officers & settle the term for their being Muster’d –

The following appointments to take place in the 71st. Lt. [Thomas Tawse] Taas to be Adjt. and

Volunteer [William] Rankin to be QrMr. to the 2d. Battn. – Lt. [Robert] Hutcheson to be Adjut. Volunteer

McAlpine to be Qr.Mr. Mr [John] Stewart Surgeon & Mr Murdoch Mate to 3d Battn.

R:O:) The 7 companies to Embark on board the Brilliant Thames Glasgow & Houston – The

officers are to carry nothing with them but their Tents beding [sic] & a Portmateau [sic]

Notes: Fascines were long bundles of sticks used to support walls of fortifications. There is no record of the ordered

muster of the 42nd Regt. in the UK National Archives. With the grenadier and light infantry companies having joined

flank battalions, there are now only seven companies in the 42nd Regt. formed into two provisional battalions. The

transports Brilliant, Thames, Glasgow and Houston were part of the fleet carrying the 42nd Regt. to America.

Dykers ferry 13th. Augt. 1776

In consequence of a Representation from the Officers of the 4th. Regt. respecting some improper

conduct of Capt. [William] Holmes of that Regt. & which the Genl. transmitted to the Secretary at War to

be laid before his Majesty. The King’s pleasure has been signified, that his Majesty does not think it

proper that Capt. Holmes should not be continued be continued in the Service, the Genl. therefore

Suspends Capt. Holmes from further duty & he has liberty to go to Europe. –

Promotions [sic]

Notes: The results of a court-martialed for Capt. Holmes was published in general orders in Boston on Sept. 2, 1775.

He had been tried and found guilty for “Unsoldier like behavior upon Service in his Willfully neglectng his Duty by

pretending to be Ill making practise of it and thereby imposing a hardship on the Officers of his rank in the Regiment.”

Holmes was sentenced to be reprimanded by a general officer at the head of his brigade.

Dykers ferry 14th. Augt. 1776

The Order of the 12th. instant for three days provisions to be ready dres’d is suspended till further

Orders

His Majesty has been pleas’d to appoint Major [Mathew] Dixon Chief Engineer to the Army in

America

Capt. [John] Montresor [Royal Engineers] is appointed Aid de Camp to the Comr in Chief

Capt. [Jeremiah] Tinker 33d. Aid de Camp to Lord [Charles] Cornwallis

Note: Miscellaneous notes which were likely written on end papers have been moved to the correct chronological

position at Sept. 7, 1776.

G:O: Head Qrs Staten Island 16th. Augt. 1776

Parole Dimmell

Lt. [John] Peebles of the 42d. Grenrs. is Appointed Adjut & Serjt .[Alan] Stewart of do. is Appointed Qr. Mr.

to the 4th. Battn. of Grenadrs.

G: O: Dykers ferry

Head Quarters Staten Island 19th. Augt. 1776

Parole Mirbach

C: Sign Donope

Capt. [Richard Symes] Sims of the 52d. Regt. is appointed Major of Brigade in the Room of Major

[Daniel] Disney [71st Regt.].

Lt. John Rutherfurd is appointed adjutant and Serjt. Jas. Stirling to do the duty of Qr. Mr. to the 2d.

Battn. of the 42d. Regt.

Those Regts. that have Received Canteens, Hatchets, Camp Kettles, or any other kind of Camp

Equipage, are order’d to replace them immediately into the Quarter Mr. Genls. Store, on board the Fanny,

out of their new Camp Equipage lately arrived –

Battn. Orders 4th. Battn. Grenadiers

The officers to send their heavy Baggage on board of Ship tomorrow Morng by the Provisn. Waggons

Captt. [Patrick] Campbells [2nd Bn.,71st Regt.] Compy. to Parade every Morng. at 6 O’Clock, and

the other 2 Compys. at Seven

for Picquet tomorrow night Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.]

Capt. [Charles] Grahams [42nd Regt.] & Capt. [Francis] Skellys [1st Bn., 71st Regt.] Compays. are

to Embark in the Thames, and Capt Capt [sic] Campbells [2nd Bn., 71st Regt.] Compy. in the Experiment

Transports –

Genl Orders Dickers ferry 18 Augt. 76

Parole Westphalia –

Counter Sign Munster –

The 15th. 28th. 37th. 46th. 54th. 57th. Regts. to Embark tomorrow at 9 O’Clock at the Watering Place they

are to go on board the Single Ships they have made choice of; the 71st. Regt. to Embark tomorrow at 9

OClock at Coles ferry –

The Corps under the Command of Lt. Colo: [William] Dalrymple [14th Regt.] are to march from

their present Ground at five OClock tomorrow Morning & Encamp at the Center Redoubt, where they

will be furninsh’d with Tents from the Dy. Qr. Mr. Gl.

The 2d. 3d. & 4th. Brigades as soon as Relieved in their Cantonments will march to the Watering

place in order to Embark on Tuesday –

The 6th. Brigade to Embark at Coles ferry on Tuesday Morning at 9 O’Clock –

Colo: Duopis Danou [likely Donop’s] Detachmt. to Embark from the Hessian Head Quarters on Tuesday at

9 OClock – The Genl. Officers will Embark with their Respective Brigades on Tuesday Morning at 9

OClock –

Colo: [Edward] Mathews of the Guards is appointed Brigadier Genl. in America – Capt.

[Edmond] Stevens is appointed Major of Brigade to the Brigade of Guards – If the Guards should not be

Disembark’d in their proper turn, the Genl. desires they may understand it is on account of the distant

Situation of their Transports –

The Detachmt. of Hessians under the Command of Major Genl. [Johann David] Stern that were to

have march’d this Morng. are to March tomorrow Morng at 4 OClock according to the Orders given

yesterday by the Adjutt. Genl. – The Masters of Transports on board whose Vessels the Troops are now

Embarking, or are Embarked, are to deliver three days Provisions to the Troops to be Cook’d on tuesday

Morng., to considt of 13 ozs. & a half of Pork Pursers weight, p man, p day, & one pound of bread p man

p day full wt.

The following Gentlen are appointed to the Commissary Genls. Department

Major John Morrison }

Pet. Premuire Esqr. } Deputy Commissarys

Geo: Brunlee Esqr. }

Jas Christie Gent: } Assisting Commissarys

Jas Portis Gent. }

Battn Orders

For Piquet tomorrow night Lt. [Thomas] Fraser [71st Regt.]

Note: Lt. Col. William Dalrymple Corps was a collection of convalescents and recruits. As the new adjutant of the 4th

British Grenadier Battalion, Lt. John Peebles’ order book now includes the battalion orders (B.O.) of that battalion and

not of the 42nd Regt.

[B.O.] Morng Orders, 19th. Augt.

The Battn. to Parade, Arm’d & Accoutred at [sic] with their Packs, haversacks & Canteens and every

thing else as for a March, at 12 OClock at the Exercising Ground. all the officers to attend –

Head Quarters Dekers Ferry Staten Island

19th Augt 76

Parole Paderborne

Counter Liepstadt –

His Majesty has been pleased to approve of Major Genl. [James] Robertsons acting as Major Genl. in

North America –

The Light Infantry, Grenadrs., 33d. & 42d. Regts. & Colol .[Carl von] Dunope’s Corps with the

New York Compys. & Volunteers are to hold themselves in readiness to embark on the shortest notice –

Any Convalescent Soldiers that cannot march with their Regts. are to do duty with Colo:

Dalrymples Corps – All orders deliver’d by Capt [William] Congreve of the Royal Artillery from the

Commander in Chief are to be considered as coming from an Aid de Camp –

The Recruits arrived for different Regt. onboard the Jersey Hospital Ship to be sent for

immediately by their respective Corps – the Officer Commanding on board the Jersey is order’d to deliver

them when demanded.

Mr Hawkins Surgeons Mate of the Hospital to do duty as Surgeon to the 4th. Battalion of Grenadrs.

–

Battn Orders –

The Women of the different Companys to go on board their Respective Ships tomorrow Morning at 6

OClock. The Capt. of Companys to be Answerable that this order is punctually complyed with, A

Waggon goes at that hour to the landing place which will carry their luggage –

The Piquet tomorrow night Ensn [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.]

Note: This order begins the preparations for the amphibious attack on Long Island on Aug. 22. “The “New York

Compys” were two provincial (or Loyalist) companies commanded by Capt. Archibald Campbell and Capt. Alexander

Grant. Although Ens. McDonald was assigned on paper to the 1st Bn., he did duty with the 2nd Bn. Grenadier Co.

Head Quarters Staten Island 20th. Augt. 1776

Parole Lorain Countersign Mosselle

The Army will Land in four Divisions, the first consisting of three Battans. Light Infantry & the Reserve

under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton, Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis, Majr. Genl. [John]

Vaughan and Brigadier Genl. [Hon. Alexander] Leslie.

The 2d. Division to consist of the 1st. 2d. & 3d.. Brigades of British under the Command of Majr.

Genl. [James] Robertson, Major Genl. [Sir Robert] Pigot & Major Genl. [Valentine] Jones, with a

Detachmt. of Hessian troops under the Command of Colo

l. [Karl von] Donop.

The 3d. Division to consist of the Brigade of Foot Guards, 4th. 5th. & 6th. Brigades, under the

Command of Lieut. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy, Major Genl. [James] Grant, Brigr. Genl. [Edward] Mathew,

Brigr. Genl. [Francis] Smith and Brigr. Genl. [James] Agnew –

The 4th. Division to consist of the three Bans of the 71st. Regt. under the Command of Brigr. Genl.

Sir Wm. Erskine.

These Troops to have three days Provisions ready dress’d tomorrow Morng. – Colonel Donops

Corps to Embark tomorrow Morng. at 9 OClock at the Hessian Head Quarters –

The Pioneers of each Brigade to form in the rear of their respective Brigades, und [sic] the

Direction of an Engineer appointed by the chief Engineer –

The Corps that are Encamp’d are to stack their Tents tomorrow Morng. and put their Camp

Equipage onboard their respective Transports –

When the Troops Land, they are to carry nothing with them but their Arms, Ammunition,

Blankets and three days Provisions –

The Commanding Officers of Companys will take particular care that the Canteens are properly

fill’d with Rum & Water & it is most earnestly recommended to the Men to be as Saving as possible of

their Grog –

The Commanding officers of those Regts. whose Light Companies form the 3d. Battn. L. Infantry,

to make good the defficient Arms & Accoutrmts. of their Respective Companies immediately in the best

manner they are able –

Engineers Employed with the Army

Chief Engineer Major [Mathew] Dixon

First Brigade

Captains { Abm. D’Aubant

{ John Camble

1st. Lieut Willm. Parker

2d. Lieut Willm. Hesterman

Assistants {Arthur Forth

{ Brown

Second Brigade

Captains { Archd. Robertson

{ Thos. Hartcup

1st. Lieut. Alexr. Sutherland

Assistants { Capt. Adair

{ Lt. [George] Sproule [16th Regt,]

{ Lt. Doyle

Third Brigade

Captains James Moncreiff

1st. Lieut Mathew Potts

2d. Lieut { Richd. Bendyshe

{ Willm. Fyers

Assistant Manly Dixon

In Consideration of the distance this Army is from Great Britain & of the Loss which the

Regimental Surgeons must sustain by ordering out all the Necessary Medicines, from the Allowance

unusually made them, it is directed that they be furnish’d in future as occasion Shall require, from the

Genl. Hospital – The Quantity & Quality of medicines required being first, Assertained by the Physicians

& Surgeons of the Hospital, & also that no Stores be destroyed or rejected as Unserviceable except by an

Order from the Hospital board on due consideration –

Major [Samuel Johannes] Holland is appointed Aid de Camp to his Excellency Genl. [Leopold

Philip] DeHeister –

Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart will March tomorrow Morng. with his Corps of Grenadrs. & take up

the Cantonments of the 71st. –

The New York Companies will march immediately toward the Watering place –

Battn Orders

The Companys to Parade tomorrow Morng. at 3 oClock fully Arm’d & Accoutrid in readiness to march.

three days provisions to be dress’d this Night –

Notes: The reserve was made up of the four British grenadier battalions, the 33rd Regt. and the two battalions of the

42nd Regt. All companies of the 42nd Regt. were in the first division to land. The 42nd Light Inf. Co. with the light

infantry battalions, the 1st and 2nd Bns., 42nd Regt. and the 42nd Grenadier Co. in the Reserve. “Cantonments” were

military quarters in existing buildings.

The Genl. Orders of the 21st. follows the Battn. orders

Battn. orders 21st. Augt.

The Companys to parade tomorrow Morng with their Arms Accoutrements & Packs at half after 2 OClock

at Major [Hon. Charles] Stewarts Quartrs. The Commanding Officers of Compys. to be particularly

carefull they do not excid this hour.

G: O: Dukirs ferry Head Quarters Staten Island

8 O’Clock P.M. 21st. Augt.

The Light Infantry & Reserve to be upon the beach at Coles Ferry tomorrow Morng. at 4 O’Clock

in order to embark. 1st. Battn. on the Right, the 2d. on the left, the 3d. in the Center – The Grenadrs. are to

form to form in front of Genl. [Francis] Smiths Quarters, 1st. Battn on the Right, the 2d. on the left of the

1st. The 3d. on the left of the 2d, & the 4th on the left of the Brigade – The 33d. & 42d. Regts. are to

Embark at a small distance from the left of the 4th. Grenadrs. The 33d. on the Right & the 42d. on the left –

The Volunteers & New York Companys to embark on the left, of the first Debarkation. The Whole to be

under the direction of Commander [William] Hotham & the Sea Officers under his Command –

Lieut. Genl. [Henry] Clinton will embark with Commandr. Hotham [50-gun HMS Preston] at

Coles Ferry – Brigadr. Genl [Hon. Alexander] Leslie at the same place with Capt. [George] Vanderput

[64-gun HMS Asia ]. Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis & the Grenadrs. with Capt. [Benjamin] Caldwell

[32-gun HMS Emerald]

Majr. Genl. [John] Vaughan & the Division of the 33d. and 42d. Regts. with Capt. Ogilvie –

Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy will be pleas’d to embark with the 17th. Regt on board [transport]

Felicity where a Barge will be sent to receive his orders. The other Genl. Officers will go on board the

eldest Regts. of their respective Brigades when they come to anchor and will Disembark with the Sea

Officers Superintending the Debarkation of their respective Divisions.

The Provincial Corps will receive their orders of embarkation from the Deputy Quarr. Master

General on the Beach –

Head Quarters New Utrecht Long Island, 22d. Augt. 1776 –

Parole Hotham C: Sign Donop

The Genl. Officers are Authorized to post such Guards as they shall judge Proper for the Security of their

Quarters –

A communication must be kept open between the Battalions particularly to the Rear where there

may be a necessity for support –

It is strongly recommended to the Army to preserve good order & discipline and upon no account

to molest or commit any depredations upon the Inhabitants of the Island –

Each Regt. is to send early tomorrow for their Tents, Camp Kettles, & Knapsacks. The Qr. Mr.

Genl. will endeavour to furnish Waggons to convey them from Water side and it is hoped that Officers

will bring as little Baggage as possible on shore and & for some time make use of Soldiers Tents or fly

Tents.

In the present distribution of Cantonments the Brigade of Guards is to furnish the Guard at Head

Quarters to consist of one Serjeant 3 Corpls. & 20 Men, to mount as usual at 8 O’Clock with an Orderly

Serjt. –

All Horses & Cattle that may be seize’d on the Island are to be immediately sent to head Quarters

for the use of the Army & the owners will be paid for them.

The Volunteers under the Command of Capt. [John] Stanton [14th Regt.] are order’d forthwith to

join their Regts. B.O. For Piquet Lt. [David] Kinlock [71st Regt.] & 30

Notes: Each mess of five soldiers was issued a tent, tent poles, hatchet and tinned camp kettle for camp equipment. A

fly tent was similar to a soldier’s tent except that it had an additional canvas stretched slightly above the tent to

provided additional protection from the elements. The “Picquet” (or picket ) was a small number of soldier posted as

sentinels in front of the line to provide advance warning and to delay any attacking force to allow the regiments to

assemble.

New Utrecht Long Island, 23d. Augt. 1776

Parole Luximberg

Cr. Sign Atetz

The Brigade of Guards, 1st. 2.d. 3d. 5th. & 6th. Brigades to Encamp tomorrow, the Ground of 1st. 3d. & 5th.

Brigades will be marke’d out by order of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton. The Ground for the Guards 2d. & 6th.

Brigades will be mark’d out by the Dy. Qr. Mr. Genl. at Six OClock tomorrow Morng. –

The Corps de Reserve will be Encamp’d by order of Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis –

The Commander in Chief desires it may be Signified to the Army that he is determined to show no mercy

to any man found Guilty of Marauding –

The Commanding Officers of Brigades are desired to order the Rolls to be called & to take every step

they shall judge necessary toward Suppressing such Scandalous & infamous behavior –

The Army to receive three days Provisions tomorrow at 12 OClock at the Store House near where

the Artillery were Landed & where the 23d. Regt are now Quarter’d –

A Serjt. & Eight Dragns. to be detach’d every Morng. by order of Sir Wm. Erskine to Head

Quarters – It is requested that Officers will not detain Waggons longer than is absolutely necessary,

Otherwise the business of the Army must Stand Still –

[Reserve] Brigade Orders by Lt. Genl. E: Cornwallis

A Piquet consisting of one Field Officer two Capts. Six Subs. & 200 Men to Parade immediately

at the Head of the 33d. Regt. Lt. Colo: [James] Webster [33rd Regt.] for this Duty

Detail C. S. S. C. D. Privates

4th. Battn. Grs. 1 1 27

B: Orders for Piquet Capt. [Charles] Graham [42nd Regt.] & Lt. Dougl. Campbell [71st Regt.] –

Notes: “C S S C D” is an abbreviation for Captains, Subalterns (Lts. and Ens.) Sergeants, Corporals and Drummers.

GO

Head Quarters, New Utrecht, 24th. Aug

t. 1776

Parole Burgundy

Cr. Sign Tyrol

The order of the 22d. inst. with respect to Horses seized in the Country is to be Stricly complyed with All

Waggons also are to be sent to Head Quarters in order for a proper distribution of them to be made thro’

the Army –

The Regts. Encamp’d are to mount a Piquet consisting of a Capt. Subn. & 30 Men & a Quarter Guard of 1

Subn. & 18 Private They are to have Sentry’s on each well –

The Corps that have Landed more Tents than they have occasion for are to Embark them again

immediately. The Light Infantry are not to have Tents as they expect to be in constant motion

The Brigade of Guards will immediately mount a Serjt. &12 at Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percys

Quarters –

[Reserve] Brigade Orders –

Field officer of the Piquet this Evening Major [William] Murray [1st Bn., 42nd Regt.]

Genl After Orders

A Working Party of two Captains four Subalterns Six Serjeants Six Corpls. & 200 Men to Parade

before Earl Cornwallis’ door at 8 OClock this Eveng.

Detail

Grrs. C S S C Privates

1st. 1 1 1 1 39

2d. 1 1 1 1 41

3d. 1 1 1 27

4th. 1 1 1 30

33d Regt. 0 1 1 28

42nd. 0 1 1 35

2 4 6 6 200

Battn. Orders

For Piquet tonight Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.] & 33

For the Working Party Ensn. [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.] & 30

The Commanding Officers of Companys will give the necessary orders for keeping the Streets of

their Camp Clean & the ground near it, Necessary Houses will be made in the Rear which the men will go

to & nowhere else near the camp –

Morng. Battn. Orders 25th. Augt. 1776

The Commanding Officer of Companys will take particular care that the Non Commissioned Officers of

Squads or Messes see the Men comb their hair & clean themselves before they come to the Parade –

The Compys. to Parade in their respective Streets a quarter of an hour before the Troop & Retreat

beats, When the Commanding Officers will review the Mens Arms Ammunition & march them in order

to the front of the Bell Tents where they will form the Battalion in open order –

The Parties from the 4th. Battalion (or Highland) Grenadrs. sent upon Detachment, are not to load

without express Commands from the Officer Commandg. the Detachment –

All Parties returning from duty are to be march’d to the Battn. Parade and there regularly

dismissed –

Notes: “Bell Tents” were small conical tents placed at the front of a street of tents to hold the soldiers muskets.

G: O:

Head Quartrs. New Utrecht 25th. Augt. 1776

Parole Dijon Cr. Sign Rhone

The Genl. wishes to Express his Satisfaction at the Diligence & good order with which the Artillery & the

Stores were Landed on the 22d. instant And desires his thanks may be given in Public Orders to the

Officers & Men of that Corps as well as to Mr. Land Agent of Ordnance Transports – The Genl. also

highly approves of the Spirited behavior of Capt. [Archibald] Campbell & [Alexander] Grant & Detachmt. .of New York Compys. upon the Scouting parties of yesterday

Regts. are to prepare formers so as to be able for the future to make up their own Cartridges and it is

impossible for the Artillery to supply the Whole Army –

Lt. [John] Piper of the 6th. Regt. is appointed as a Assistant Dy. Qr. Mr. Genl. –

The Undermention’d four Hospital Ships are in Rotation to send boats daily for the Reception of Sick &

wounded. Viz. Dutton Grovenor, British King, & Pigot. These boats to Attend on the beach near the

Stone House where the provisions are issued –

A Guard of a Corpl & Six men to mount immediately from the 2d. Brigade at the Genl. Hospital –

Note: “Formers” were wooden dowels used to roll the paper the proper size to fit the muskets in order to make a

cartridge of powder and ball. The “Stone House” was likely the home of Mr. Denyse, at Denyse ferry.

[Reserve] Brigade Orders –

An Adjutant of the day to be in waiting till further orders –

Adjt. of the day for tomorrow 1st. Battn. Grrs.

The Piquet to mount at Six this Eveng.

For Piquet this Eveng. Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Brit. Gren. Bn.]

Detail

Grrs. C S S C Privates

3d. 1 1 1 1 31

4th. 1 1 1 32

33d Regt. 1 1 1 1 32

42d. 1 1 1 45

Hessians 1 1 1 30

2 5 5 5 170

After Brig: orders ½ 5

A Working Party of 2 Capts. 4 Subs. & 170 Men to parade at 7 OClock –

Detail

Grrs C S S C Privates

1st. 1 1 1 31

2 1 1 1 31

3. 1 1 1 1 21

4. 1 1 1 24

33d Regt. 1 1 1 27

42d. 1 1 1 30

164

G: O:

Head Quarters Long Island, 26th. Augt. 76

Parole Geneva Cr. S. Coni –

Plundering is become so excessive that Commanding Officers of Corps must be responsible that the

Soldiers do not quit their Encampments unless upon Duty in which case the Officer Commanding is to be

answerable for their behavior of his Men.

The Mens Canteens are to be immediately filled with Rum & Water. Their Provisions &

Necessaries put up in the best Manner for Carriage –

The Commander in Chief desires that the Soldiers may not Huzza in getting in our out of their

Boats –

M: Bn. Orders The Commanding Officers of Compys. will see that the Mens necessary’s are pack’d up in

their Blankets immediately.

It is expected in future that the Men constantly Parade with their Packs & that they do not undo

them until Night –

An Officer of a Compy. constantly to see the Mens Rum mixed, if the Men cannot get Buckets

they must see the Canteens carried to the Well –

Notes: “Necessaries” generally means the soldiers’ extra clothing, shoes and musket tools. This order likely means

some smaller subset of the necessaries were to be carried into battle are carried in their rolled up blankets, here called

“packs,” while the knapsacks are left under guard with the remaining articles.

G: After Orders, 5 O’Clock –

The Army will Strike their Tents & Load their Baggage at 8 O’Clock this Night to form at the head of

their respective Encampments & there wait for further orders, the men to carry their Canteens, Camp

Kettles, Provisions & Necessarys, no more than two Waggons can be allowed to each Regt. for their Tents

& Baggage, the overplus of Rum that Regts. may have in Store is to be carried in the Waggons with the

Mens Tents –

The Advance Guard Consisting of three Squadrons of Cavalry, three Battalions of Light Infantry,

four Battns. of Grenadrs. 1st. Brigade 33d. & 71st. Regts. will receive their orders from Lt. Genl. [Henry]

Clinton with Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis Major Genl. [John] Vaughan & Brigrs. Genl. [Hon.

Alexander] Leslie & Sir Wm. Erskine four light 3 pounders 2 Howitzers & 6 Six pounders will Attend

this Corps –

The Advance Guard is to be follow’d by the Brigade of Guards with two 6 pounders & two

Howitzers – The 3d. Brigade with two 12 Pounders. The 5th. Brigade with four light 12 Pounders & two 6

Pounders, and 2d. Brigade with two 6 Pounders, the 49th. Regt. with four medium 12 Pounders & four

Waggons with intrenching Tools to form the Rear Guard –

Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy will take Post with the Brigade of Guards at the Head of the Line –

The Men are not to Load till ordered by their respective Commanding Officers & the greatest

Silent Attention to be Observ’d by the Troops.

The Regts. to Wheel by half Companys & march from the Right, each Regt. will have a flanking

Party of a Non Commissioned Officer & four Men per Company under the Command of a Commissioned

Officer of the Regt. –

A Serjt. & Six Men of each Regt. to take charge of the Baggage under the Command of a field

Officer one Capt. & 4 Subns. of the Line –

The Hospital Waggons with their own Guard to follow the 49th. Regt. –

Genl. Officers Baggage with their Respective Guards next, & then the baggage of the Line –

The Qr. Masters of Regt. & Pioneers are to form at the head of each Brigade under the direction of

an Engineer, one Waggon is allowed to each Genl. Officer. Lt. Genls. will have two if they can be

procured –

The 4th. & 6th. Brigades will receive particular orders for their march. Six 6 Pounders two 3

pounders & two Howitzers will Attend these two Brigades. Capt. [James] Moncrieff Engineer & an

Assistant Engineer. to receive their Orders from Major Genl. [James] Grant

The Baggage of the 6th. Brigade will be embark’d in flat Boats at Gravesend –

The New York Compys. are immediately to Escort the Artillery from Head Quarters to Denys’s

House where they will receive further orders –

Detail for Baggage Guard

F.O. C. S. S. C. Private

1st. Brige. 1 1 1 [sic]

2d. do. 1

3d. do. 1

5th. do. 1

Notes: This order documents the preparations made for the Battle of Long Island on Aug. 27, 1776. The 4th British

Grenadier Bn. took part in Lt. Gen. Henry Clinton’s flanking movement around the rebel left. Artillery of the period

was designated by the weight of the cannonball, accordingly a “6 Pounder” threw a cannon ball weighing six pounds,

etc.

Genl. Orders Head Quarters Bedford

Long Island 27th. Augt. 1776

Parole Brooklin

Cr. Sn. Flatbush

The Advance Guards of the British to be taken by the Piquets, of the 1st. 2d. 3d. & 5th. Brigades (49th. Regt.

excepted) & Colol. [Karl von] Donops Corps

The Picquits to consist of 1 Capt. 2 Subns. & 50 Men under the Command of two Field Officers & a

Brigadier Genl. of the Day They will be posted by Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton to whom they are to make all

Reports. These Picquits to Parade at 5 OClock this Evening behind the Hill near the Bedford Road

The Regts. to Encamp as soon as the Picquits are Posted – The Qr. Mr. Genl. will give them their

Ground –

Brigadier Genl. for this Evening Brigr. Genl .[Edward] Mathews [sic] Major of Brigade [Edmond]

Stevens, who will wait on Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton & receive his orders for Posting the Picquets

G: O: Head Qrs. Bedford Long Island, 28th. Augt. 1776

Parole London Cr. Sign Fontenoy

Genl. Officer for this Eveng. Brigr. Genl. [Francis] Smith, who will Report to Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy,

field Officers for Piquit Lt. Coll. Sir Henry Calder [49th Regt.] & Major [Rawlins] Hilman [22nd Regt.],

Major of Brigade [Frederick] McKenzie.

The Genl. Parade to be on the Ground in front of the 38th. Regt. –

The Commander in Chief is thoroughly sensible of the very distinguish’d behavior of all the Troops that

were yesterday Engaged, & of the Universal Ardor he perceived throughout all Ranks of the Army of

discharging their Duty with Spirit & conduct –

A Return of the Killed, Wounded, taken prisoner by the Enemy, & Missing to be given in

tomorrow at orderly time –

A Working Party of a Field Officer, 2 Capns. 6 Subns. & 400 Men, to Parade this Eveng. at Gun

firing, & Receive their orders from the Chief Engineer. Field Officer for this Duty Lt. Col: [William]

Walcot [5th Regt.] – A Detachment of 300 men under the Command of a field officer to be taken from the

Picquets of the Line to Cover the Working Party –

40 Sappers & 20 fascine Layers to be Attach’d to the Engineers Corps till further orders.

A Serjt. from the first Brigade to be sent to the Sappers, & one from the 2d. Brigade with the

fascine layers, the Whole to Encamp with the Corps of Engineers –

A Morning & Evening Gun to be fired at the Artillery Park –

The Commanding officers of Brigades will take care that a free communication is open between

the Regts. in front of the Camp –

The two Compys. of Marine Grenadrs. are to be join’d in one, under the Command of Capt.

[Thomas] Averne –

Capt. [John] Campbell of the Corps of Engineers to attend Brigadr. Genl. Sir Wm. Erskine –

All Arms taken with Prisoners are to be sent to the Artillery Store, the Captors will be paid for

them according to the Regulation.

Such of the Wounded as can be Removed will be carried to New Utrecht; a Return of the

Numbers in each Corps to be given to the Dy. Adjutt. Genl. tomorrow at orderly time that Waggons may

be provided accordingly.

The Reserve will move their Ground to the Right. Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis will take

his orders from the Commander in Chief [Gen. Sir William Howe]. 1st. & 3d. Battn. of Light Infantry to

hold themselves in readiness, to Attend Lt. Genl. Earl Cornwallis, from whom they will receive their

orders. The 2d. Battn. to remain as they are till further orders –

four days Provisions will be issued to the Troops at the Stone House near the Landing from the

29th. Augt. 1776 to 1st. Septr. inclusive.

The Regts. that got Horses from the Dy. Qr. Genl. to Return them immediately.

The Qr. Masters of the Different Corps will Attend the Dy. Commry. [Commissary] Genl. near

Head Quarters at five this afternoon to receive Cattle for their respective Corps –

The 4th. & 6th. Brigades & 49th. Regt. being Omitted in yesterdays detail to do duty in the Line –

The Regts. are to sink wells for themselves as near their ground as possible –

The Return of Women for Nurses to be given in by the Several Regts. in Line tomorrow at orderly

time – Any Man who discharges his firelock when in Camp or Quarters without leave of his Commanding

Officer shall be punished with the utmost Severity –

Note: The Battle of Long Island was fought against the large number American forces posted in front of the line of

defensive positions across the western end of Long Island. After the American forces were defeated in the battle, Gen,

Howe ordered the defensive works to be taken by traditional 18th century siege techniques of digging a set of ever

closer trenches. Fascines were long tied bundles of small straight limbs used to shore up earthworks.

Head Qrs. Bedford Long Island 29th. Augt. 1776

Parole Guilford Cr. Sn. Courtray –

Bushwick, Earl Cornwallis’s orders for the Reserve – The Piquets Consisting of 2 Captns. 5 Subns.

& 150 men to Parade this Eveng. at 5 O’Clock at the Head of the 3d. Battn. of Grenadrs.

A field Officer of the Day to Visit the Piquets, for this duty Lt. Colo: [William] Meadows [55th

Regt. and 1st Brit. Gren. Bn.] –

It being represented to Lt. Genl. [Charles] Earl Cornwallis that several Horses have been taken

today from people well Affected to Goverment [sic], his Lordship desires all horses taken on the March

today may be sent to [Maj.] Genl. [John] Vaughan’s Qrs. to be return’d to the owners that may prove their

right to them.

Detail for the Piquet

Capts. Sub. Serjt. Corpl. Drs. Private

1st. Battn. Grrs. 1 1 1 1 35

2d. do. 1 1 1 1 30

3d. do. 1 1 1 25

4th. do. 1 1 1 27

33d. Regt. 1 1 1 33 2 5 5 5 150

Battn. Orders –

For Piquet this Night Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st Regt.] 1 Serjt. 1 Corl. 27

Head Qrs. Bedford Long Island 30th. Augt. 1776

Parole Petersfield Cr. Sn. Lisle

Field Officer for the Day & to Visit the Picquets Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Brit. Gren.

Bn.] –

H: Qrs. Newtown Augt. 31st. 1776

Parole Utrecht Cr. Sn. Paris

Field Officer for Picquet Colo. [James] Webster [33rd Regt.]

The Picquet to Mount at 6 OClock consisting of 2 Capts. 5 Subs. & 150 private, Adjut .4th. Bn. Br. G for

Pict. Lt. [Thomas] Fraser [71st Regt.]

Notes: During the night of Aug. 30, the rebel commander, Gen. George Washington, successfully withdrew his forces

from Long Island, ending the need for the British siege of the Brooklyn defensive positions.

G: O: Newtown Long Island 31st. Augt. 1776 [sic]

The Genl. again repeats it in orders that no mercy will be shown to any Man found guilty of

Plundering –

The Qr. Masters of Corps will attend Capt. [Benjamin C.] Payne [18th Regt.] a D. Q. M. G.

tomorrow at Bedford to receive Rum & Bread. They will take the Waggons now in their possession for

that purpose, which Waggons they will keep till further orders

Head Qrs. Newtown, Long Island 1st. Septr. 1776

G: O: Parole Exetor Cr. Sn. Portsmouth

Genl. Officer for this Eveng. Brigr. Genl. [Hon. Alexander] Leslie who will Report to Lieut. Genl. [Hugh]

Earl Percy –

Field Officer for Picquet Major [Francis Richmond] Humphreys [52nd Regt.] –

No Officer or Soldier to go beyond the out Posts except upon duty – The Advanced Posts or

Pickets are to continue out till relieved –

Reserve Orders

A Review of the State of the Ammunition and the deficiencies to be made good immediately –

Field Officers [sic] for Picquet Major [Edward] Mitchell [5th Regt. and 1st Bn. Grenadiers]

Detail C S S C D Privates

4th. Battn. 1 1 27

Adjt. for the day tomorrow 33

d. Reg

t.

G: O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 2d. Septr. 1776

Parole Devonshire Cr. Sn. Embden

The Qr. Mrs. of Corps to Attend Immediately at the Publick House near Head Qrs. to receive 4 days bread

& Rum they will bring the Waggons Assign’d for the use of their Corps to take it away.

Reserve Orders) The Picquets to mount this Eveng. at ½ after 5 O’Clock Consisting of 1 Capt. 4

Subns. 5 Serjts. 5 Corpls. 2 Drumrs. & 98 Private – Field Officer for the day & to visit the Picqts. Lt. Col

[Robert] Abercrombie [37th Regt.]

Adjut for tomorrow 1st. Battn. Grenadrs. Orderly Serjt. for tomorrow 4th. Grenadrs.

Notes: A “Publick House” was a tavern or inn. The assignment of Lt. Col. Abercromby in the reserve orders is unusual.

Although he later commanded the 1st Lt. Inf. Bn., at this point in the war he was still commanding the 37th Regt. in the

3rd Brigade. It is likely Lt. Peebles inadvertently included a General Order for field officer duty in the Reserve Order

section.

Genl. Orders continued) The Commanding Officers are desired to place Sentries over the Corn in the

neighbourhood of their Respective Posts that the Men may not make use of it for Straw until it is thrished

out – Major [Thomas] Dilkes of the 49th. Regt. is appointed to the 2d. Battn. Grenadrs.

The Commander in Chief in order to Establish the Current Value of Gold for Payment of the

Army in all Situations without regarding local Currency, directs that the Contractors Agents shall pay the

Gold to the Dy. Pay M

r. Gen

l. in the following manner & that they shall pay it to the Troops accordingly

Vizt

A Guinea weighing 5 dwts 7 grs to be received equal to 4 Dollars & two thirds – A Single Johannes 9 dwts 3 grs equal to 8 Dollars – The Dollar to pass for 4/8 Stirling or 8/NYork Currency, which will serve to

regulate proper Currencies less in Circulation but whose weight & Value may be determind. by thus

Specified – The Agents supplying Money or those who pay it to the troops are not to Offer Gold of less

weight, & no allowance will be made for any overplus weight –

B: O: ) The Major is extremely sorry to be under the necessity of reminding the Officers that a Battn.

newly form’d required their Strictest care & Attention

No Officer whatever to quit the Camp without mentioning it to the Major –

It having been represented that men from the 71st. Compys. taken away Articles from, & otherwise

ill treated several persons near this Encampment

The Commanding Officer requests that the Officers make diligent search to discover sd. offenders

& that they pay such Attention to their non Commission Officers and Men as may prevent them in future

from being guilty of the like infamous practices –

An Officer of the Day – His duty is to Visit the Men before Roll Calling see that their Tents are

made clean the Straw taken out & air’d the Canvass roll’d up – They will allso see that the Messes are

properly regulated & that the Men are fed by tattoo – The 2 Compys. of the 71st. to parade every Morng. at

6 OClock till further orders –

For Picquet Lt. Thos Fraser [71st Regt.] for the day tomorrow Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.]

Notes: “Dollars” refers to Spanish milled dollars, common coins in the American colonies. For some reason the

lieutenants of the 42nd Grenadier Co. are not listed for any duty in the 4th British Gren. Bn. Lt. John Peebles, as

Adjutant, would perform rotating duty in that position, but there is no known reason why Lt. William Graham and Lt.

Harry Gilchrist are not listed for any duty.

G: O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 3d. Sepr. 1776

Parole Dorset Cr. Sn. Prague –

All the Waggons & Horses belonging to Staten Island employed in the Army, to be sent in immediately in

order to be exchanged, those nearest to Bedford to be deliver’d to the Dy. Qr. Mr. Gl. there, & those

nearest to Newtown to be sent to Head Qrs. –

Reserve Orders) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart [43rd Regt. and

4th Battn. Grenadiers]

Adjut. for Tomorrow 2d. Battn.

Orderly Serjt. 33d. Regt. –

Six men from each Battn. of the Reserve w’ a Commissioned Officer to go out immediately to

drive in fresh Stock –

Battn. Orders) Officer for tomorrow Lt. Dougal Campbell [71st Regt.] –

For Picquet tonight 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 17 –

G: O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 4th. Septr. 76

Parole Blandford Cr. Sn. Long Island

The fascines & picquets order’d to be made by each Regt. to be immediately sent off in the Regtal.

Waggons to Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clintons Qrs. –

Two days Salt Provisions will be issued to the Troops tomorrow, those Regts. who have not recd.

Provisions to the 7th. instt. inclusive are to draw tomorrow for what may be due to them to that day. –

Reserve Orders) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [John] York [33rd Regt.]–

Adjt. 3d. Battn. Orderly Serjt. 1s. Battn.

4th. Battn. Sub Serjt Corpl. D Private

1 1 1 17

Bn. O: For Picquet tonight Ensn. [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.]

For the day tomorrow Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 5th. Septr. 76

Parole Bristol Cr. Sn. Amsterdam

Reserve Orders) Field Officer for Picquet Lt. Colol. [William] Meadows [55th Regt. and 1st Brit. Gren.

Bn.] –

Bn. O:) Officer for tomorrow Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st Regt.]

Camp Long Island 6th. Septr. 1776

Morng. Reserve Orders) For the future when the Picquets are allowed to return to Camp in the Morning

some non Commissioned Officers of the old Picquet will attend the parade of the New one to show where

it is to be posted.

A man to be sent from all guard [illegible] main out before the time of the relief to conduct the

New Guard – The Adjut of the Day to see that this order is observed –

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 6th. Septr. 1776

Parole Nottingham Cr. Sn. Vienna

The Commander in Chief disapproves of the Sentences of the Genl. Court Martial of Whih.

[which] Lt. Colo: [John] Campbell of the 57th. Regt. was President, and orders the Court to Assemble

again tomorrow the 7th. at 9 O’Clock & revise their Proceedings.

The Provost Martial has a Commission to Execute on the Spot, any Soldier he finds guilty of

Marading [sic] & to take up all Soldiers above one mile from their Posts.

The Absolute necessity of frequently calling the Rolls in the presence of all of the Officers off

Duty is once more Strongly urged & recommended, as the present licenscious behavior of the Troops is a

disgrace to the Country they belong to –

It is the Genls. order that no person shall sell a Horse taken upon this Island unless he can produce

a receipt, for the Money he paid for Him –

Reserve O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Brit.

Gren. Bn.] – Adjut. for the day 33d. Regt.

Orderly Serjt. 3d. Battn.

Detail

4th. Battn. 1 Sub. 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 17 Private

Bn. O) For Picquet to Night Lt. [David] Kinloch [71st Regt.]

Officer for tomorrow Ensn. [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 7th. Septr. 1776

Parole Canterbury Cr. Sn. Berlin

A Return to be given in tomorrow at orderly time by each Corps of the Number of Officers &

Men they have prisoner with the Rebels.

The Army to be Supply’d till further orders with fresh Provisions for two days only in this week.

Two days fresh & two days Salt Provision from the 8th. to the 11th. instt. inclusive will be Issued

to the Troops tomorrow at the Public House near Head Qrs –

R. O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [James] Webster [33rd Regt.] – Adjut. for the

Day 1st. Ban. Orderly Serjt. 1st. Battn.

B: O:) Officer for the day tomorrow Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 8th. Septr.

Parole Rochester Cr. Sn. Munster

One days Provision to be kept ready dress’d till further orders –

The Detachment of Artillery will draw Provisions with the Brigade or Corps they do duty with –

A Return of Horses in each Corps to be given in tomorrow at orderly time in order to ascertain

the number intitled to receive forage, Specifying the Officers Names to which they belong – Three men

per Regt. to be Appointed to do duty with the Brigade Guns till further Orders –

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following Promotions Vizt:

23d. Regt. 2d. Lt. John Wilkinson to be 1st. Lt. vice [Benjamin Bernard] Barnet deceas’d 21st. Augt.

[Francis] Dulival Gent: to be 2d. Lt. vice Wilkinson promoted do.

49th. Regt. [Bartholomew] Fuller to be Surgeon vice [Meredith] Jenkins by Purchase 7th. Septr.

1776.

52d. Regt. Ensn. Robt. Bourne from the 10th. Regt. to be Lt. Vice [John] Fuge who resigns for the

Value of his Enscy. 26th. Augt. 1776

57th. Regt. Ensn. Wm. Augustus Thompson to be Lt. Vice [William] Davies deceas’d 1st. Septr. –

76

Staff – Surgeon Richard Procter from the 5th. Regt. to be Apothecary to the Hospital Vice [John]

Jameson deceas’d 7th. Septr.

Reserve Orders) Field officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Thomas] Dilkes [49th Regt. and 2nd

Brit. Gren. Bn.] –

Adjut. for tomorrow 2d. Battn. – orderly Serjt. 4th Battn. –

Detail

4th. Battn. 1 Sub: 1 Corpl. & 17 Private

B:O:) For Picquet Lt. Dougl. Campbell [71st Regt.]

Officer for tomorrow Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.]

Notes: The Commander-in-Chief in North America was authorized to make promotions in most regiments subject to

final approval by the King. The commissions bore date from the date issued by the Commander-in-Chief.

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 9th. Septr.

Parole Dover Cr. Sn. Halifax –

Two days Provisions to kept ready dress’d till further –

Reserve O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [Robert] Abercrombie [37th Regt.] –

Adjut. for tomorrow 3d. Battn. Orderly Serjt. 33d. Regt.

Detail 4th. Battn. 1 Sub. 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 17 Private

Memom. All Horses found with the Kings Mark GR to be seiz’d and sent to the Artillery –

Note. “GR” was an abbreviation of the Latin words “Georgius Rex” meaning King George.

B: O:) For Picquet Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.] officer for tomorrow Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st

Regt.] –

After Orders 5 OClock

Each Regt. to make 30 fascines a day till further orders –

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 10th. Septr.

Parole Dartford Cr. Sn. Boston

John Winters private Soldier in his Majestys 59th. Regt. tryed by the Genl. Court Martial whereof

Lt. Colo: [John] Campbell of the 57th. Regt. is President & found Guilty of Desertion is Sentenced to

suffer Death – The Commander in Chief is pleas’d to Order it to be put in execution tomorrow the 11th.

instt. between the hours of eight & ten before Noon, at the head of the 6th. Brigade.

The Picquets of the Line that are not advanced to Attend the Execution –

John Dun & John Lusty private Soldiers in the 57th. Regt. tryed by the above Genl Court martial

& found guilty of having committed a Rape are Sentenced to Suffer Death.

The Commander in Chief is pleas’d to Approve of the above Sentence.

John Kelly private Soldier in the 27th. Regt. of Foot tryed by the above Genl. Court Martial &

found guilty of pillaging & plundering is Sentenced to receive 1000 Lashes –

The Commander in Cheif is pleas’d to confirm the above sentence & to order the prisoner to his

Regt. on order to receive his punishment at the discretion of the Commandg. Officer –

The Prisoners John Scoffield, Henry Swaffield & Thos Ingram of the 28th. Regt of foot are to be

released & sent to their Regt. The above Genl. Court Martial is Dissolved –

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following promotion Viz

5th. Regt. Edwd. Gair Mate to be Surgeon vice [Richard] Proctor removed to Genl. Hospital 7th.

Septr. 76

Memo:

A Return of the No. of Officers Serjts. Drrs. and Rank & file who will be able to Embark –

Reserve O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Edward] Mitchel [5th Regt. and 1st Bn.

Grenadiers] – Adjut. for ye. day 4th. Battn.

Orderly Serjt. [sic] –

Detail 4th. B: 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. 1 Drr. & 17 Private

B:O) For the day tomorrow Lt. [David] Kinloch [71st Regt.]

Notes: The embarkation report requested in the memorandum is the beginning of the preparations to make the

amphibious assault on Manhattan Island from Long Island which occurred on Sept. 15. The word “ye” is short for

“the” and uses an old English letter called a thorn (which looks like the letter “y”) for the sound “th.”

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island Wednesday 11th. Septr.

Parole Newark Cr. Sn. Hanover

Four days Provisions from the 12th. to the 15th. .inclusive will [sic] issued to the Troops tomorrow

The Paymasters of Regts. are desired to send as soon as possible their Subsistence Accots. from

25th. Augt. to 24th. Octr. inclosed to Capt [Robert] Mackenzie [43rd Regt.] Secretary to the Commandr. in

Chief at Head Qrs. in Newtown & that Warrants may be made out for the same in the without delay, The

Commanding Officers of Corps will give necessary directions for setting the provision Stoppages from

25th. June, to Augt. sending one of the receipts when sign’d, to Captn. McKenzie –

Reserve Orders) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart [43rd Regt. and

4th. Bn. Grenadiers] – Adjut. for ye. day 33d. Regt. –

Detail

4th. Battn. 1 Sub: 2 Serjts. & 13 private

Memo:

David Bruno aged 47 years 5 feet 4 & ¼ high & fair complexion, has a Small Scar on the left

temple, wears Sandy Hair. Henry Gadmin aged 36 years 5 feet 2 & ¾ high fair complexion, lost several

of his foreteeth, & has a Crucifix on his left arm (a Waterman). The above men Straggled from the

[HMS] Eagles Boat the 8th. Septr. whoever Apprehends them shall be intitled to the reward as Stragglers

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.] Officer for tomorrow Lt. [George]

Stewart [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 12th. Septr. 1776

Parole Dresden Cr. Sn. Scotland –

Reserve orders) Field officer for Picquet this Evening Major [John] York [33d Regt.] –

Adjut. 1st. Battn. –

B:O: For the day tomorrow Ensn. [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 13th. Septr.

Parole Quebec Cr. Sn. Wolf

The Majors of Brigade are to Attend at Head Qrs. at half past 4 this Afternoon for Orders –

All the Troops to remain in Camp till further Orders –

Reserve O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [William] Meadows [55th Regt. and 1st

Bn. Grenadiers]

B:O: The Rolls of the Compys. to be call’d every halfhour [sic] in presence of an Officer Pr

Compy. who is to report the absent men to the Commanding Officer –

For the day tomorrow Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.]

General After Orders 13 Septr. 1776 ½ past 4 O’Clock

An attack upon the Enemy being shortly intended, the Soldiers are reminded of their evident

Superiority on the 27th. Augt. 1776 by charging the Rebels with their Bayonets even in Woods where they

thought themselves invincible, they now place their security in Slight Breastworks of the weakest

construction & which are to be carried with little loss by the same high Spirited mode of Attack. The

Genl. therefore recommends to the Troops an entire dependence on their Bayonets with which they will

ever command that Success which their bravery so well deserves –

The Army to draw tomorrow morning two days fresh Provisions to the 17th. inclusive, which they

will use tomorrow & next day & keep their salt provisions ready dress’d

Morng. Bn. O) A Court Martial to sit at 10 O’Clock to try the Prisoners Saml. Williamson &

Dond. McLachland Soldiers in Capt. [Charles] Grahams Compy. [42nd Regt.] – Capt. [Patrick] Campbell

[2nd Bn., 71st Regt.] President, Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.] and Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.] Members

– The Prisoners at be acquainted & Evidence to attend –

G:O: Head Qrs. Newtown Long Island 14th. Septr. 1776

Parole Westminister Cr. Sn. Nassau –

Majors of Brigade & Orderly Officers to Attend at 5 o’clock this Afternoon for Orders.

Reserve O:) For Picquet this Eveng. Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Brit. Gren. Bn.],

Adjut. for tomorrow 3d. Battn. –

Detail 4th Battn 1 Sub & 13 privates –

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.] Officer for tomorrow Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.]

General After Orders 5 O’Clock

The Brigades Encamped in the Environs of Newtown will Strike their Tents at two in the Morng.

–

The Tents & Baggage to be put up in the Regtal Waggons & left upon the ground with a Small

Guard from each Regt.

The Corps will form at the head of their respective Encampments having their Blankets & two

days Provisions as formerly directed & there wait for further Orders –

The Hessian Brigade from Lt. Genl. [Leopold Philip] DeHeister’s Corps will form at 4 in the

Morng. in the Rear of the 4th. Brigade of British at Bedford & both Brigades will march immediately –

One Squadron of Dragoons will march so as to be at Newtown at Six in the Morning & to send

forward an Officer to Head Qrs. for orders –

The 71st. Regt. will detach at Gun firing this Eveng. a Guard for the Artillery park, of an Officer &

20 Men who will take their orders from Brigr. Genl. [Samuel] Cleveland

Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton will Command the first Embarkation –

Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy will Command the Second –

Lt. Colol. [William] Dalrymple [14th Regt.] will give orders the Recovered men are regularly sent

from Staten Island as soon as they are able to do their duty to their respective Corps –

All Regts. having Demands for Bounty for drafts received are to send the returns of them to the

Secretary’s Office as soon as possible –

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following promotions Vizt.

10th. Regt. [Vol.] Alexr. Brodie [42nd Regt.], Gent. to be Ensn. vice [Robert Bourne] Bairn by

purchase 13th. Septr. 1776

43d. Regt. Ensn. Jas. Rivers to be Lt. vice [William] Gubbins who retires do.

After Reserve O) The Reserve to be ready to march at 5 OClock tomorrow morng. The

Commanding Officers of Battalions to see that the Tents & Baggage are pack’d up before that time, a

proper Guard from each Corps to be left with them. The Troops to carry their provision with them, but it

is left to the discretion of the Commandg. Officers of Corps whether the men should carry their Blankets

or leave them with the Tents. 42d. Regt. to be at [Maj.] Genl [John] Vaughans Qrs. precisely at 5 O’Clock

–

B: O:) A Guard of 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 12 Private to be left with the Baggage –

Notes: This order gives directions for the British Army’s amphibious landing at Kip’s Bay on Manhattan Island on

Sept. 15, 1776. New York City was taken soon after the landing as the rebel army retreated up the island.

Head Qrs. New York Island 16th. Septr. 1776

Parole Brunswick Cr. Sn. New York

The Brigade of Light Infantry the Reserve the 3d. & 4th. Brigades of British & the Hessian

Brigades of Stirn & Donop are to be under the Command of Lt. Gen [Henry] Clinton, who will give his

Orders for Posting them –

The Brigade of Guards with the 2d. & 6th. Brigades to be under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Hugh]

Earl Percy who will give his orders for Posting them – The 5th. Brigade to take the Guards in & about

New York. Major Genl. [James] Robertson will Command in New York –

His Excellency Lt. Genl. [Leopold Philip] DeHeister will be pleased to remove his Camp from

Brooklyn to Hell Gate on Long Island & Encamp upon the Heights where the Brigade of Guards was

Encamp’d –

The 1st. Brigade of British to Report to Brigr. Genl. Sir Wm. Erskine & remain Posted as they are

till further Orders –

The 71st. Regt. to remain also as at present Posted –

Capt. [Archibald] Campbells New York Compy. to Continue at Bedford & to give Such Guards as

are necessary there, These Corps to be under the Command of Lt. Gen

l .D

eHeister

Capt. [Alexander] Grants New York Compy. to be posted in the Battery upon Brooklyn Height &

to report to Major Genl. Robertson Commanding at New York –

The Turtle Bay & Provost Guards to be taken by the Brigade of Guards, 2d. & 6th. Brigades, & to

mount immediately –

All prisoners to be kept in N: York in the Hospital or wherever Major General Robertson shall

judge proper –

The Camp Equipage of the Army to be got over as soon as possible –

All Magazines & Stores of every kind taken in N: York are to be secured for His Majesty – The

Barrack Mr. Genl. is order’d to take possession of all empty Houses he shall judge necessary for the more

Effectually carrying on the Kings Service. And the Commanding Officer of that Quarter will Afford him

the Assistance he may require for the above purpose –

[Lt.] Genl. [Henry] Clintons Orders

The Troops are to take up their Ground which they occupied last night excepting the 2d. &3d. Bns. of Light

Infantry which will be posted by Brigr. Genl. [Hon. Alexander] Leslie –

The 33d. Regt will march first then the 42d. then the 4th. Battn. Grenadrs. then the 1st. and 3d. Battns.

of Grenadrs. then the 2d. Battn. of Grenadrs.

The 2d. & 3d. Battns. of L: Infantry, the Hessian Chasseurs & the 1st. Battn. of L: Infantry.

The two Six pounders will march at the Head of the 1st. Battn. of Grenrs. The 2 three pounders

with the 1st. Battn. Light Infantry –

Notes: After the 2nd and 3rd Lt. Inf. Bns. advanced too far against the rebels, one battalion of the 42nd Regt. and the

grenadiers were heavily engaged in supporting them against the rebel army in the Battle of Harlem Heights fought on

this day. The “Hessian Chasseurs,” also called Jägers, were often former huntsmen armed with rifles and performed

skirmishing duties.

Head Qrs. New York Island Tuesday 17th. Septr. 76

Parole Blemheim Cr. Sn. Marlborrough

A Return of killed wounded & missing on the 15th. & 16th. inst to be given in tomorrow at orderly

time distinguishing the loss of each day.

The Commander in Chief entertains the highest opinion of the bravery of the few Troops that

yesterday beat back a very Superior body of the Rebels & he desires to return his thanks to the Battalions

& to the Officers &Men of the Artillery that came to their Support, with that expedition which so

Strongly marks the prevailing Spirit in this Army & which of properly temper’d must always insure

Success to His Majesty’s Arms, but at the same time he finds himself under a necessity of disapproving of

want of Attention in the Light Companies pursuing the Rebels without that proper disscretion to be

observ’d where there are not Troops to Support –

The Genl. has also much Satisfaction in taking notice in the Steddy behavior and activity of the

Troops under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton who made good the Descent on this Island the

15th. Inst. –

Four days Provisions from the 18th. to the 21st. inclusive will be issued to the Troops at Turtle Bay

as soon as can be Landed –

The Commanding Officers of Brigades will press all the Waggons & Carts in possession of the

Corps & immediately [illegible] them for bringing up Provisions for the Troops without loss of time –

Memom.) [Lt.] Genl. [Henry] Clintons 3 Battns. of Light Infantry, Reserve, 3d., 4th. & Hessian

Brigade of Donop to receive for the future their Provisions at Hell Gate –

Division Orders by Lt. Genl.

The Picquets to be given from the Reserve except the 42d. Regt. – from the 3d. Brigade except the

38th. Regt. and from the 4th. Brigade

Will consist of a Field Officers three Captns. Six Subns. & 200 Men. They will parade at the Head

of the 3d. Battalion of Grenadrs. this Afternoon at 5 O’Clock, when an Officer will Attend to shew them

where they will be Posted

Strength of the Reserve

Field Offrs. Capts. Subns. Serjts. Rank & file

8 32. 61 98 1660

Note: The 2nd and 3rd Light Infantry Bns. are being criticized for being pulled too far forward as part of the rebel plan to

flank them with circling units. The rebel army took positions on Harlem Heights and was able to preven further British

movement up the island.

Head Qrs. New York Island 18th. Septr. 1776

Parole Petersborrow Cr. Sn. Spain

One Hundred fascines are to be made up per each day per Regt. till further orders by the Brigades

of the 2d. Line and lodged at their Respective Quarter Guards the dimensions as formerly directed – 4

pickets for each fascine –

Capt. [Andreas Emmerich] Emirik is appointed Capt. .of the Guides & is to be obey’d as such –

Forage will be deliver’d to the Army at Hursts Wharf near Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy’s Qrs. –

The Qr. Masters of Corps will take care that all the Hay & Straw that has been in use with the Rebels near

their respective Qrs. or Camps be immediately destroyed –

Divisional Orders by Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton

The Pickets are to Consist of a Field Officer 3 Captns. 6 Subns. & 200 Men to [sic] given from the

Reserve excepting the 42d. Regt. the 3d. Brigade except the 10th. Regt. and from the 4th. Brigade They will

parade at 5 O’Clock this Afternoon at the Head of 3d. Battn. Grenadrs. where an Officer will Attend to

shew them where they are to be Posted –

Lt. Genl. Clinton requests the favour of the Genl. Officers of the Corps under his Command to

Spare to the Troops as much of the Straw they may find in their respective Qrs. as they may not have

occasion for themselves.

Detail

Field Officer for Picquet Lt. Colo [Charles] Mawhood [17th Regt.]

Capts. Subs. Serjts. Corpl. Drs. Private

Reserve 1 3 4 4 2 80

3d. Brigade 1 1 2 2 1 52

4th. do. 1 2 2 2 1 60

Total 3 6 8 8 4 192

C. S. S. C. D. P.

4th. Battn. Reserve 1 1 1 15

Head Qrs. New York Island 19th. Septr. 1776 Thursday

Parole Orange Cr. Sn. Namus

The Purveyor of the Hospital is to send a Return weekly to the Adjutant Genl. of the Names of the

Men that die in the Genl. Hospital Specifying the Regts. they belong to.

A Return of Volunteers & to what Corps Attach’d with their respective dates of Service to be

given in tomorrow at Orderly time –

No Officers are to take possession of Houses in New York but by application to Major General

[James] Robertson thro’ the Barrack Mr. Genl. –

An Engineer to Attend & to receive his orders from Major Genl. Robertson at New York –

The Commissary Genl. of Stores & Commissary Genl. of Artillery or their Deputy’s are to Attend

and take charge of all Stores left by the Rebels on the Island of New York –

A Guard of an Officer & 20 Men from the Brige. of Guards to do duty at Greenwich to protect all

Boats & to preserve order Amongst the Seamen there. this Guard to parade at 4 O’Clock this Afternoon

a guide will attend to conduct them –

The Capt. of the Guides & all the Guides off Duty are to Attend at Head Qrs. daily at orderly time

& there to remain till dismiss’d –

Division Orders) The Picquet to parade at half past 4 O’Clock & to take their orders from Capt.

[Charles] Eustace [33rd Regt.] –

Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Andrew] Bruce [38th Regt.]

Detail

Serjt. Corpl. Private

4th. Battn. 1 1 15 –

B:O:) By the Number of Sick men that have lately been sent to the Hospital & those that daily complain,

the Commanding Officer has great reason to fear that the Battalion in a few weeks will be incapable of

doing duty, to prevent which disgrace falling upon a Corps of Grenadrs. it is the Majors orders that a

NonCommissioned Officer per Company see that the Men bath or wash their feet thrice a Week. The

Commanding Officers of Compys. to be answerable that this order is comply’d with –

An Officer of a Compy. to visit the Messes of their respective Compys. daily & to Specify in a

Written Report if the Messes are properly regulated & provisions Cook’d –

Those Gentlemen that call themselves Volunteers, having been sent to the 4th. Battn. as Private

Soldiers it is the Majors Orders that they attend all Parades & are not exempt from any duty; Duties of

fatigue they are at liberty to exchange with the Men –

Notes: Volunteers were young gentlemen serving as private soldiers in hopes of showing their merit for commissions

as vacancies occurred due to battle losses and promotions.

G:O:) Head Qrs. New York Island 20

th. Sept

r. 1776

Parole Amherst Cr. Sn. Canada –

The 3d. & 4th. Brigades will send one Carefull Woman per Regt. to Attend the Genl. Hospital at

Hell Gate, these Women will be paid and relieved weekly, any one that quits her duty will be immediately

sent home –

All the fascines & pickets made by the 3d. & 4th. Brigades of British & the [Hessian] Brigade of

Stirne to be Carried in the Waggons belonging to the Corps to Jones’s House near the North River, those

made by the Brigade of Guards 2d. & 6th. Brigades to be Sent in the same manner to Major [Thomas]

Musgrave’s [64th Regt. and 1st Lt. Inf. Bn.] advanced Post on the left of McGowan’s House; these Troops

to continue to make fascines & picquets & to carry them daily to the above mention’d places –

A Vessel will sail for England in a few day’s letters will be receiv’d by Lt. [James] Cramond

[42nd Regt.] at the Adjutant Genls. Qrs. –

Lord Barrington Secretary at War having Signify’d his Majesty’s pleasure that the Appointments

taking place on the 25th. Augt 1775 are to Superseed [sic] those made by Genl. [Sir William] Howe in that

promotion all such Commissions therefore give by the Commander in Chief are hereby cancell’d & the

Officers to Rank from his Majestys Commission, Capt. [Robert] McKenzie [43rd Regt.] will Notify to the

Respective Regts. a list of the Promotions Alluded to Received from the War Office & if any doubt should

arise relative to other Appointments the Commanding Officers of Regts. are desir’d to communicate them

to Capt. McKenzie for further Explanation –

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following promotions

5th. Regt. Wm. P. Bennet Superceedid [sic] on the Augmentation to be Ensign Vice [Henry] King

15th. April 1776 – Ambrose Russell do. to be Ensn. Vice [Burton Gage Burbett] Barbet 7 Augt. 1776 –

10th. Reg

t. John Leonard Superceidid [sic] in the 35

th. Reg

t. on the Augmentation to be Ens

n. Vice

[Thomas] Murray 28th. Decr. 1775 – 15th .Regt. Robt. Walker Superceidid in the 64th. Regt. on the

Augmentation to be Ensn. Vice [George] Thomas 13th. May 1776 – 38th. Regt. Daniel Ord Superceidid in

the 63d. Regt. on the Augmentation to be Ensn. vice [Shapland] Swiny 4th. May 1776 – 40th. Regt. Charles

Monk Superceedid in the 44th. Regt. to be Ensn. vice Hogg 28th. Decr. 1775 –

Divisn. O) Field Officer for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colol. [William] Meadows [55th Regt. and 1st Brit.

Gren. Bn.] –

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 21st. Septr. 76

Parole Cumberland Cr. Sn. Fontenoy

Four days Provisions will be Issued tomorrow from the 22d. to 25th. inclusive –

The Corps under the Command of Lieut. Genl. [Henry] Clinton to receive theirs at Marstens

Wharf. That under Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy & the Artillery at Turtle Bay.

The Troops in Town will receive their provisions there.

The Majors of Brigade & orderly Officers to Attend for orders at 5 O’Clock this afternoon

Division Orders of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton

The Picquet to be Augmented to a Field Officer 4 Captns. 8 Subns. & 250 Men to mount at 5

O’Clock –

The Picquet not being compleat last night the Majors of Brigade of the day will for the future be

so good as to see the numbers order’d are present

for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Brit. Gren. Bn.] Major of

Brigade [William] Brown [52nd Regt.]

Detail for the Picquet

Reserve

Capt. Sub Serjt. Corpl. Dr. Private

Reserve 2 4 5 5 1 109

3d. Brie. 1 3 3 3 1 46

4th. Be. 1 1 4 4 1 83

Total 4 8 12 12 3 230

Adjut. for the day 4th. Battn.

Detail for Reserve

Capt. Sub Serjt. Corpl. Dr. Private

1st. Battn. 1 2 2 2 1 25

2d. do. 1 1 1 1 22

3d. do. 1 1 18

4th. 1 21

33d. Reg 0 1 1 23

2 4 5 5 1 109

After Orders –

The Hessian Chasseurs having been by Accident omitted in the thanks of the 17th. the Genl. is

happy to take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging their alertness & of thanking them for their great

readiness to Support the L: Infantry

The Hessian Brigade of Stirne to be in readiness to march at 9 tomorrow with their Blankets &

one days provision –

The Corps under Orders to Parade this Morng. at Six to be in readiness tomorrow at Nine.

The fascine making to be Stop’d till further Orders The Commissary Genl. will issue fresh

Provisions to the Men in Hospital According to the Returns given in by the Commanding Offrs. of Regts. –

A Detachmt. of an Officer Serjt. & 10 Dragoons to put themselves immediately under the

Command of Major Genl. [James] Robertson at New York & to be Relieved every 24 hours –

The 3d. & 4th. Brigades & 2d. Light Infantry are to take the duty for the 2d. & 6th. Brigades & 3d.

Light Infantry at 7 O’Clock tomorrow morng. –

A Working party of 400 Men with Officers in proportion to parade tomorrow Morng. at day break

& march to McGowans Hill where an Engineer will attend to conduct them – this Party to leave off Work

at Noon, to retire to Camp & be replaced by the same number at 2 O’Clock & continue till 10 at night.

For this duty Lt. Col: [Charles] Mawhood [17th Regt.]

Detail 4th. Battn. 1 Serjt. Corpl. & 25 private

G:O: New York Island 22d. Septr .1776

Parole London Cr. Sn. Great Britain

The 2d. & 6th. Brigades 3d. Bn. Light Infantry & Artillery as order’d for today are to March

tomorrow at 9 O’Clock under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Hugh] Earl Percy

The Packet for Europe will be ready to Sail on Tuesday the 24th. Instant.

A Spy from the Enemy [Capt. Nathan Hale, 7th Connecticut Regt.] by his own full confession

Apprehended last night, was this day executed at 11 O’Clock in front of the Artillery Park –

Divisional Orders –

F:O: for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [Enoch] Markham [46th Regt.]

Major Brigade [Benjamin] Baker [5th Regt.], Adjut. for the day for the Reserve 33d. Regt. –

Detail for Work at Day Break

Field Officer Lt. Colo: [William] Meadows [55th Regt. and 1st Bn. Grenadiers]

Capt. Sub S C Dr. Private

Reserve 2 3 4 4 1 150

1st. Battn. 1 1 1 1 35

2d. do. 1 1 1 1 32

3d. do. 1 1 1 25

4th. do. 1 25

33d. Regt. 1 1 33

2 3 4 4 1 150

Detail for tomorrow at 2 O’Clock

Capt. Sub S C Dr. Private

Reserve 3 3 4 4 1 150

1st. Battn. 1 1 2 2 35

2d. do. 0 0 1 1 0 32

3d. do. 1 2 0 0 0 25

4th. do. 0 0 1 1 1 25

33d. Regt. 1 0 0 0 0 33

Total 3 3 4 4 1 150

Bn.: O: for the Working party tomorrow Morng. Lieut. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.]

G:O: New York Island 23d. Septr. 1776

Parole Magdeburg Cr. Sign Ferdinand

Regulation of Carriages & Horses for the Army:

Horses Waggons

Lt. Genl . 3

Major Genl. 2

Brigr. Genl. or Coll. Comg Corps 1

Aid De Camps 2

Majors of Brigade 2

Adjut. Genl. 4

Dy. Adjut. Genl. } 3 1

Assistants } 2

D.Q.M.G. } 4

Assistants } 2

Baggage of each B Regt. 4

Each Hessian Regt. 6

Field Offrs. Comg. Regts. 3

Majors 2

Offrs. under the rank of } 2

F: O: Commangg. Regts. }

Each Staff Officer 1

A Comy. of Hessian Chasseurs 1

Each Waggon to have 2

The Genl. expects that the Strictest obedience will be paid to this regulation not only the

immediate situation of this Country but the future operations of the Army make it indispensably necessary

–

Commanding Officers of Corps will be responsible to the General for the due observance of it.

Those Officers who have purchased Horses & by the Establish’d regulation are not allowed to keep any

may send them to the D.Q.M.G. & on producing a receipt they will receive the money they have paid for

them –

All Horses taken from the Rebels or taken up in the Country are to be sent to the Dy. Q. M: G: for

the public Service –

The Horses for the Genl. Officers is not regulated the Genl. being persuaded they will not have

more than are Absolutely necessary for their Service.

The fascines remaining with the different Regts. are to immediately sent to Jones’s House.

Lt. Adam Goldney 22d. Regt. of foot is Appointed Adjut. to the 1st. Battn. of Grenadrs. in the Room

of Qr. Mr. [George] Fowler 38th. Regt. –

Division Orders –

For Picquets this Eveng. Major [Thomas] Dilkes [49th Regt. and 2nd Bn. Grenadiers]

Major of Brigade [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Battalions] –

F:O: for Work at Day Break Lt. Col. [Enoch] Markham [46th Regt.]

do. at 2 O’Clock Lt. Colo: [James] Webster [33rd Regt.] –

The 1st. & 2d. Battns. of Light Infantry 1st. Battn. of Grenadrs. & the Hessian Chasseurs will receive

a days bread at the Bakehouse at Hell Gate Fort tomorrow between 8 & 9 O’Clock.

Detail for the Picquet Reserve

Capt. Sub S C D Private

2 4 5 5 2 120

1st. Battn. Grs. 1 1 1 1 1 23

2d. 0 1 1 21

3d. 1 16

4th . 1 1 16

33d. 2 2 21

42d. 2 1 1 23

2 4 5 5 2 120

Detail for Work at Daybreak

C S S C D Private

Reserve 2 4 5 5 2 202

1st. Battn. Grs. 1 1 1 1 1 38

2d. 1 2 1 1 1 35

3d. 1 1 27

4th. 1 0 28

33d. 1 1 35

42d. 1 1 1 39

2 4 5 5 2 202

for Work at 2 O’Clock

Capt. Sub S C D Private

1st. B 1 1 1 38

2d. 1 2 2 35

3d. 1 1 1 27

4 1 1 28

33 1 1 1 35

42 1 1 39

2 4 5 5 2 202

R:O: [Reserve Orders] Adjut. for the day 42d. Regt.

Bn. O For Picquet this Evng. Capt. [Charles] Graham [42nd Regt.]

for Work at day break Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st Regt.]

G:O: New York Island 24th. Septr. 1776

Parole Worcester Cr. Sn. Denmark

The Working Party at McGowan’s Hill to consist of 200 Men only till further orders. to Parade at

day break & be relieved as directed in the After orders of the 21st. –

The Brigade of Guards 2d. & 6th. Brigades, to furnish one Subn. 3 Serjts. & 100 Men to be

employed in making Cartridges, they will parade at Six O’Clock tomorrow Morng. & march immediately

to Turtle Bay where they will receive further Directions –

The Establishment of the Brigade of Guards being equal to that of the Hessians the same No. of

Waggons vizt. Six per Battn. are to be allowed them. Capts. of the Guards as field Officers of the Line are

as Such Allowed forrage for two horses.

Division Orders

Field Offr. for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Edward] Mitchell [5th Regt. and 1st Brit. Gren. Bn. ]

Major of Brigade [William] Brown [52nd Regt.]

Detail for the Picquet Reserve

Capts. S St. C D P

2 4 6 6 1 120

1st. Battn. 0 1 1 1 23

2d. do. 1 2 1 1 1 21

3d. do. 1 1 1 16

4th. do. 0 1 16

33d. Reg. 0 1 1 21

42d. do. 0 2 2 23

2 4 6 6 1 120

For Work a [sic] Day break tomorrow

Detail for work Reserve

C S S C D P

1st. 1 1 1 19

2d. 17

3d. 1 1 14

4th. 14

33d. 1 1 18

42d. 1 1 1 19

1 2 3 3 1 101

1st. 1 1 19

2d. 1 1 1 1 1 18

3d. 1 14

4th. 14

33 1 1 17

42 19

1 2 3 3 1 101

R:O: Adjut. for the day 1st. Battn.

B:O: For Picquet Lt. [George] Stewart [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 25th. Septr. 1776

Parole Eugene Cr. Sn. Savoy –

A Guard of a Corpl. & 4 Men from Capt. [Alexander] Grants New York Compy. to mount

immediately at Brookland Hospital –

Four days Provisions from the 26th. to the 29th. inclusive to be issued to the Troops tomorrow.

Officers who from Wounds or Infirmity are not able to march with their Compys. to apply to the

Commanding Officers of their respective Corps, who will make a Return of their Names to the

Commander in Chief for permission to have horses –

The Working Party at McGowans Hill to consist of 100 men only till further Orders –

The Commander in Chief is pleas’d to make the following Promotions. 64th. Regt. Lord [George]

Viscount Deerhurst to be Lt. Vice [James] Galbraith by purchase 25th. Septr. 1776 –

Division Orders

For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [William] Butler [38th Regt.]

Major of Brigade [Benjamin] Baker [5th Regt.]

Detail Picquet Reserve

Capts. Sub S C D Private

2 4 6 6 1 120

1st. Battn.

2d.

3d.

4th. 1 1 1 16

33d.

42d.

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Capt. [Patrick] Campbell [2nd Bn., 71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 26th. Septr. 1776

Parole Lancaster Cr. Sn. Bristol –

All Returns that are call’d for are to be given in at Head Qrs. by the Majors of Brigade or

Adjutants at orderly time –

The Pay Masters of British Corps are desired to give in immediately to Lt. Colo: [William]

Sherriff [47th Regt.] DQMG the Names & Rank of Such officers as have join’d the Army since last

distribution of Batt & forrage [sic] Money that their Accts. may be forthwith made up –

Capt. Henry Knight of the 43d. Regt. is appointed Aid de Camp to the Commander in Chief –

Capt. [Robert] Fenwick of the Royal Regt. of Artillery is appointed Bridge Mr. in the Room of

Captain [William] Congreve –

The Battalions of Light Infantry instead of an additional Waggon will have a horse pr Compy.

allow’d them –

Regulation of forage to issued by the Commissary Genl. – the Ration for Dragoon horses of both

Officers & Men is to consist of 14 lbs. of Hay & 10 lbs. of Oats or 7 lbs. of Indian Corn the ration for

Waggon horses is to consist of 12 lbs. of Hay 8 lbs. of Oats or 5 lbs. of Indian Corn –

Memom.

All Persons who can give any information of the incendiary’s who set New York on fire are to wait upon

[Maj.] Genl. [James] Robertson early tomorrow Morng. for that purpose –

Division Orders

Field Officer for Picquet Major [Francis Richmond] Humphries [52nd Regt.]

Brigade Major [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Bns.] –

Detail for Picquet Reserve

Capts. Sub S C D Private

1st. Bn. 1 1 1 1 1

2d. 1 1 1

3d. 1 1 1

4th. 16

33d. 2 2

42d. 1 1 1 1

for Work at Day Break 4th. Battn. 7 Private do. at 2 OClock & 1 Subats.

Reserve Orders

Adjut. for tomorrow 3d. Battn.

B:O: For Fatigue at 2 OClock tomorrow Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.]

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 27th. Septr. 1776

Parole York Cr. Sn. Gibraltar –

The Genl. having considered the inconvenience that may arise to Captns. not having horses in the

course of active Service allows one horse of each Capt. of Infantry, notwithstanding the restriction so

absolutely necessary upon forage , in the present State of this Country no forage to be drawn but effective

horses –

Lieut. [Robert] Lawson of the Royl. Artillery is appointed Assistant to Capt. [Robert] Fenwick

Brigade Mr. [Major]

A Genl. Court Martial to be held at New York on Monday the 30th. instt. at ten O’Clock

Consisting of 3 Field Officers 6 Captns. & 4 Subns. from the 5th. Brigade for the tryal of all such prisoners

as shall be brought before them – Lt. Colol. [John] Gunning of the 43d. Regt. Presidt. The dates of the

Members Commissions Prisoners Names & Crimes & Evidence Names to be given to the Dy. Judge

Advocate –

Two days fresh provisions to be issued to the Troops tomorrow Morng. early at Hell Gate, which

Victuals them to 1st. Octr. inclusive.

Memo: Those Capts. who have sent horses to the Dy. Qr. Mr. Genl. on applying & returning the

money may have them again –

Division Orders –

Field officers for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colol. [Robert] Abercrombie [37th Regt.] – Major of Brigade

[William] Brown [52nd Regt.]: Adjut. 4th. Battn.

Detail for Picquet Reserve

Capts. S S C D Private

1st. Battn. 1 1 1 1 23

2d. do. 1 1 1 1 21

3d. 1 0 1 1 1 16

4th. 1 16

33d. Regt. 1 1 1 21

42d . do. 2 2 23

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. [David] Kinloch [71st Regt.] & 16

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island Saturday 28th. Septr. 1776

Parole Potsdam Cr. Sn. Silesia –

A Working party of 100 Men with Offrs. in proportion to Parade tomorrow Morng. at day break

upon the road to the right of Jones’s House where an Engineer will attend & receive them. This party to

work till twelve at Noon & be replaced by the like number who will work till sunset.

Fifty more men to be added to the Cartridge makers from the same Corps order’d to give them

before –

Division Orders

Field Officer for Picquet Major [James] Cousseau [37th Regt.]

Major of Brigade [Benjamin] Baker [5th Regt.] – Adjt. 33d. Regt.

Detail for Picquet R.

FO C S S C D Private

Reserve 2 4 5 5 1 120

3d. Brigade 1 1 1 3 3 1 44

4th. do. 1 3 4 4 1 74

1 4 8 12 12 3 238

Reserve Detail

Capt Sub: S C D Private

1s. Battn . 1 1 2 2 1 23

2d. 1 1 1 21

3d. 1 16

4th. 1 1 16

33d. Regt. 1 21

42d. 1 23

2 4 5 5 1 120

Work Detail at Day Break 29th

C S S C D Private

Reserve 1 1 1 1 51

3d. Brigade 1 1 1 18

4th. do. 1 1 1 31

1 2 3 3 1 100

1st. Battn. 1 1 10

2d. 1 9

3d. 7

4th. 7

33d. 1 8

42d. 10

1 1 1 1 51

Work at Noon

Reserve 1 1 1 1 51

1st. Battn. 1 10

2d. 8

3d. 7

4th. 1 7

33d. 9

42d. 10

Total 1 1 1 1 51

B:O: for work tomorrow at Noon Capt. [Patrick] Campbell [2nd Bn., 71st Regt.]

Morng. B:O: 29th. Septr. 1776

The Battalion to Attend Divine Services by the Chaplain [James McLagan] of the 42d. or Royl.

Highland Regt. at 12 O’Clock in front of the Camp –

Notes: Many of the Highlanders had limited understanding of the English language. Chap. McLagan was a Gaelic

scholar and was known during the French and Indian War to alternate giving his sermons in English and Gaelic.

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island Sunday 29th. Septr. 1776

Parole St. Phillips Cr. Sign Mahon

The Pay Masters to make out the Accots. in the usual form of the Baggage Batt & forrage Money,

due to the Officers of the respective Regts. that have join’d since the last distribution, also Specifying

those that have been promoted since that time –

A Working Party of 300 Men from the Brigade of Guards 2d. & 6th. Brigades to parade tomorrow

Morng. at daybreak & March to the Battery in New York where an Officer of the ordnance will receive

them, they are to be employed in making Cartridges & will take their formers with them –

Officers & Men belonging to the Garrison of Halifax are to be in readiness to Embark for that

Place at the Shortest Notice.

The following Gentlemen having offered their Services to raise a Brigade of Provincials of 3

Battns. of 500 Men each, for the Service of His Majesty & the Suppressing of the present unnatural

Rebellion, the Commander in Chief has made the followg Appointments.

Oliver Delancy Esqr. Brigadier Genl. & Colol. of the 1st. Battn. John H. Cruger Esqr. Lt. Colol.

Capt. [Joseph] Green late of the 40th. Regt. Major.

2d. Battn., G [George] Brewerton Esqr. Colol., Steven Delancy Esqr. Lt. Colol., Thos. Bowden Esqr.

Major. 3d. Battn. Gab. Ludlow Esqr. Colol. Richd. Hewlett Esqr. Lt. Colo: A: [Alexander] Menzies Esqr.

Major & A: Campbell Esqr. Major of Brigade –

Division Orders

Field Offr. for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [John] Campbell [57th Regt.]

Major of Brigade [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Bns.]. Adjut. for tomorrow 42d. Regt. –

Work at Day Break 30th. Septr.

C S S C D Private

Reserve 1 2 1 1 1 51

4th. Battn. 7

Work at Noon

Reserve 2 1 1 51

4th. Battn. 7

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. J: [James] Fraser [71st Regt.]

Note: “Baggage Batt & forrage Money” was additional money paid to deployed officers austensibly for the upkeep of

baggage animals.

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 30th. Septr. 1776

Parole Peru Cr. Sn. Mexico

Fifty more men with Officers in proportion to be added to the Working party are order’d to be

Paraded to the right of Jones’s House

Returns to be immediately given in to Major Genl. [James] Robertson by the different

Departments of the Stores they have respectively secured in & about New York for His Majesty’s Service

to enable him to make a Report of them to the Commandr. in Chief –

Capt. Willm. Bumford of the 40th. Regt. is appointed Town Major to the Garrison of New York –

Serjt. Major Thompson of the 37th. Regt. is appointed Town Adjutant to the Garrison of New

York. they are to be Obey’d as such –

Lt. Michl. Seix of the 64th. Regt. is Appointed Barrack Mr. to the Garrison of New York –

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following Promotions ...

10th. Regt. Ensn. Richd Sands from 25 foot [actually 45th Regt.] to be Lt. vice [John] Arnold

deceas’d 13 May 1776

17th. Regt. Ensn. F: Augustus Vicherall [Frederick Augustus Wetherall] to be Lt. Vice [William

Stone] Mortimer By Purchase to Endemify [sic] Ensn. [James] Obrien who first Purchased this Ltcy. while

he was otherwise provided for 3d. of May 76 –

Volunteer [Robert] Amiel from 1st. Battn. Light Infantry to be Ensn. Vice [William] Ash promoted

17th. Augt. 1776 – Capt Lt. John McPherson to be Capt. Vice Sir Alexr. Murray kill’d 27th. Augt. 1776.

Lt.Thos Walsh from 23d. Foot to be Capt. Lt. vice McPherson promoted do.

Volunteer G: [George] Inman from 1st. Battn. Light Infantry to be Ensn. vice [William] Bunbury

promoted do. – 22d. Regt. Ensn. [William] Proctor of [Late] Gorams [Rangers] to be Ensn. Vice Hamilton

promoted Augt. 7th. –

23d. Regt. 2d. Lt. Wm. Wills to be 1st. Lt. Vice [Thomas] Welch promoted 27th. Augt. 1776 –

Volunteer Wm. Price from 1st. Grenrs. to be 2d. Lt. Vice Wills do. – 33d. Regt. Ensn. Geo: Ward to

be Lt. Vice [Warren] Simonson Promoted do. – Wm. Norford Gentlen. to be Ensign vice Ward promot’d

do. – 40th. Regt Major Thomas Musgrove from 64th. foot to be Lt. Colol. vice [James] Grant Kill’d do.

Ensn. Alexr. Grant 42d. Regt. to be Lieut. vice [John] Graham promoted do. – Volunr. [Allan]

McLean from the 2d. Light Infantry to be Ensign vice Grant do. – Alexr. Innes Gentlen. to be Ensn. Vice

[Alexander] McKenzie, dead of his Wounds, 21st. Septr. 1776. – 45th. Regt. Ensn. Wm. Hill Superceded to

be Ensn. Vice [Richard] Sands promoted 13th. May 1776 – 49th. Regt. Ensn. Wm. Bunbury from 17th. foot

to be Lt. vice [John] Powell promoted 27th. Augt. 1776.

52d. Regt. ___ Hamilton late Ensn. in the 38th. Regt. to be [Ensign] vice [Robert John] Harrison

promoted 29th. May 1776 – Ensn. [Charles] Monk from 40th. Regt. to be Lt. vice [Thomas] Williamson do.

to indemnify Lt. [Francis Grose] Groce who succeeded by Purchase on Lt. [Andrew Mackilweine]

McIllwains retiring when he Groce was otherwise provided for 5

th. April 1776 –

Capt. Lt. Thos. Williamson to be Capt. vice [Andrew] Nielson killed 27th. Augt. 1776

Lt. John Powell 49th. foot to be Capt. Lieut. Vice Williamson do.

64th. Regt. Capt. Robt. McIllwraith [McLeroth] to be Major Vice [Thomas] Musgrave promoted do.

– Capt. Lt. John Lewis to be Capt. vice McIllwraith do. – Lt. Warren Simonson from 33d. foot to be Capt.

Lt. Vice Lewis do. – 71st. Regt. Capt. Lt. Sir Jas. Baird to be Capt. Vice [Charles] Cameron deceased. Lt.

John Graham from 42d. foot to be Capt.. Lt. vice Sir Jas. Baird promoted –

Division Orders

Field Officer for Picquet Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart [43rd Regt. and 4th Bn. Grenadiers]

Major of Brigade [William] Brown [52nd Regt.]– Adjut. tomorrow 2d. Battn. Grenadrs.

Detail 4th Bn

C S S C D P

Picquet 0 0 0 0 0 16

For Work at day break

4th. Battn. 14

at 2 OClock

4th. Bn. 10

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 1st. Octr. 1776

Parole Cuba Cr. Sn. Havannah –

No Soldier (Parties upon duty & Offrs Servants excepted) are to be allowed to go to New York –

No Soldier to be absent from his Camp after Eveng. Gun firing –

Complaints having been made that the Regtal. Waggons are Work’d upon every occasion which

has rendered many of their horses unfit for use, it is expected that the Commanding Officers of Regts. will

be answerable that they are not used excepting upon the necessary Service of the Regt. The Soldiers &

Women except the Sick, are not to be carried in the Waggons.

Intercession having been made by the injured party in favour of two prisoners under Sentence of

death for committing Rape, the Commander in Chief hoping that an act of Mercy will have the proper

effect is pleas’d to grant his pardon to John Lusty & John Deen of the 57th. foot. they are forthwith to join

their Compys. –

The Commander in Chief is pleased to make the following promotions. 14th. Regt. Ensn.

[Thomas] Park 45th. to be Lt. vice [Andrew] Laurie promoted [to Capt. in 2nd Bn., 71st Regt.] 30th. Septr. –

27th. Regt. John Gordon Volunr. 28th. to be Ensign Vice [John] Arbuthnot promoted 7th. Augt. – 45th. Regt.

Jas. WoganVolunr 45th. to be Ensign vice [Thomas] Park promoted 30th. Septt .– 57th. Regt. Jas. Grant

Volunr. 55th. to be Ensn. vice [William Augustus] Thompson promoted 1st. Septr.

Four days provisions from the 2d. to the 5th. inclusive to be Issued to the Troops tomorrow at the

usual places.

The Regts. that have not already received Straw since they arrived on this island are to receive it

tomorrow Morng. at Comissy. Morrissons Store near [Brig.] Genl. [Edward] Mathews’s Qrs.

Division Orders

Field Offr. for Picquet this Eveng. Major [Samuel] Bradstreet [40th Regt.] Major of Brigade [Benjamin]

Baker [5th Regt.], Adjut. 2d. Battn. Grs. –

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st Regt.] & 14

For Work at daybreak 10 d. at noon S. C. P.

1 1 10

Division After Orders

At Eight o’clock tomorrow Morng. the 3d. & 4th. Brigades will Strike their Tents & move forward

to the ground& Posts now occupied by the Light Infantry & Reserve, who will move nearly to the ground

which these Brigades quit – the 10th. Regt. as being the Right of the 3d. Brigade will occupy the Post at

McGowans House, the 38th. will Encamp to the right of that Post to sustain McGowans the 52d. on the

left of road & the 37th. its left so as to Support the right redoubt on the Hill.

Two Battns. of the 4th. Brigade will Encamp where the 42d. are at present & the other two so as to

Sustain them –

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 2d. Octr. 1776

Parole St. Johns Cr. Sn. Albany –

The Pay Masters of Regt. to call at the Dy. Qr. Mr. Genls. Office in New York tomorrow Morng. at

10 O’Clock to settle & receive ye. Batt & forage Money due to their respective Officers

The Regts. to compleat their Light Comys . immediately –

1000 fascines with picquets in proportion to be immediately made by the Corps under Lt. General

[Henry] Clintons Command and sent as soon as possible to the Rock Redoubt on right of Jones’s House –

Division Orders

Field Officer for McGowans House Major [John] Vattass [10th Regt.] Field Offr. for Picquet Major [John]

York [33rd Regt.]

Majr. of Brigade [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Battalions], Adjt. 3d. Battn

Memom. the 4th. Battn. of Grrs. & 33d. Regt may receive 3 days bread tomorrow.

33 fascines pr. Battn.

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. Lt. [Patrick] Cumming [71st Regt.] 1 Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 15 – Work at day

break 8 private do. at Noon 8 –

It having been represented to the Major that yesterday Eveng. the Picquet of the 4th. Battn. refused

to be march’d home & contrary to the express desire & order of the Capt. who commanded them ran

irregularly to their Tents in consequence of which it is the Majors Orders that the Capts. reprove their

several Companies for their insolent & disobedient behavior, & acquaint them with the Enormity of the

Crime –

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 3d. Octr. 1776

Parole Tudor Cr. Sign Plantagenet

The Commanding Officers of Regts. are to Apply to the Barrack Mr. Genl. for Store houses in

New York that they may immediately be able Land their Cloathing & Regtal. Baggage from their

Respective Transports

Lieut Humphry May of the 17th Light Compy. is Appointed Adjut. to the 1st. Battn. Light Infantry.

All Witnesses that have been Summoned by the Dy. Judge Advocate are order’d to Attend the

General Court Martial now setting in New York untill regularly discharged by the Court –

Division Orders

The Picquet to consist of 200 Rank & file till further orders – Field Offr for Picquet this Eveng.

Major [William] Murray [1st Bn., 42nd Regt.] – Major of Brigade [William] Brown [52nd Regt.]. Adjut.

4th. Battn.

Memom. found a Silver watch on Soldier who has been wounded in the Belly by a Sword, the Makers

Name B. Barnwell N. York enquire of the Adjt. 2d Battn Guards

B: O. For Work tomorrow at Noon Lt. [David] Kinloch [71st Regt.].

Morng. B:O: 4th. Octr 1776

A Court Martial to Sit at 10 O’Clock for the tryal of Serjt. Evan McPherson 42d. Regt.

Capt [Francis] Skelly [1st Bn., 71st Regt.] Presidt.

Lt. [George] Stewart [71st Regt.] } { Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.]

} Members {

Lt. [Dougald] Campbell [71st Regt.] } { Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.]

The Prisoner to be Acquainted & Evidences to Attend

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 4th. Octr. 1776

Parole Boisledue Cr. Sn. Brabant

A Corpl. & Six Men to be posted at Gun firing this Eveng. by Capt. [Andreas] Emerich [Guides]

upon the North River Shore near little Bloomingdale to allow no boat to ply there witht. a proper pass.

The 4th. Brigade to take this duty from the two Battns. in their Rear. A Guide to be sent by Capt. Emerich

in the Morng. to conduct the Relief –

The Appointments of Ensn. [Charles] Monk of the 40th. Regt. to be Lieut. & of [John] Hamilton

Superceded in the 38th. Regt. to be Ensn. in the 52d. Regt are hereby recall’d there being a Mistake in the

Vacancy Supposed. The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to Make the followg promotions. 5th.

Regt. [John] Hamilton Superceded as Ensn. 38th. foot to be Ensn. vice [Nicholas] Revitt deceas’d

30th. Augt. 1776 – R. Highd. Emigrants. Ensn. Ronald McDonald to be Adjut. to the 2d. Battn. 25th. June

1775. Extra Staff Serjt. Terrett of 15th. Regt. Grrs. to be Qr. Mr. 3d. Battn. Grenadrs. vice [Warren]

Simonson [33rd Regt.] 28th. Augt.

Division Orders –

Field Offr. for Picquet this Eveng. Lt. Colol. [Charles] Mawhood [17th Regt.] Major of Brigade

[Benjamin] Baker [5th Regt.] Adjut. 33d. Regt. –

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng.. Capt. [Francis] Skelly [1st Bn., 71st Regt.] & Lt. Thos. Fraser [71st Regt.] 1

Serjt. 1 Corpl. & 14 Private

For Work a day break 8 Private do. at Noon 8

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 5th. Octr. 1776

Parole Ermesdolff Cr. Sn. Frankford

Four days Provisions from the 6th. to 9th. Instt. inclusive will be Issued to the Troops tomorrow at

the usual places –

The Picquet to be Relieved tomorrow at 10 O’Clock and to mount at that hour for the future –

Field Offr. for Picqt. this Eveng. Lt. Colo: [William] Meadows [55th Regt. and 1st Bn. Grenadiers]

– Field Offr. for tomorrow at 10 O’Clock [Brevet] Major [William] Grant [2nd Bn., 42nd Regt.] – Major of

Brigade [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Battalions] – Adjut. 42d. Regt. –

B:O: For Picquet this Eveng. 14 Private do. at 10 O’Clock 14 Private –

All Officers to be present on the Parade at Morng. & Eveng. Roll Call –

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 6th. Octr.

Parole Paderborn Cr. Sn. Breda

Major Genl. [Sir Robert] Pigot being indisposed Brigadier [Hon. Alexander] Leslie is appointed

to the Command of the 2d. Brigade till further Orders

The 2d. & 6th. Brigades of British are to March tomorrow to Bedford, the next day to Jamaica

where they will put themselves under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Leopold Philip] D’Heister the boats will

be ready at 7 O’Clock tomorrow Morng. to receive them –

A Squadron of 17th Dragoons on the Island of New York will march tomorrow & join the Regt. at

Flushing the 16th. Dragoons will take all their Guards, this Eveng. at Gunfiring. A Dragoon to be sent at

4 O’Clock from each of the Dragoon Guards to New York to conduct the Relief –

Fifty men only for Work tomorrow at Jones’s House with Offrs. in proportion

The Reserve to take the Guards of the 2d. & 6th. Brigades at 4 O’Clock this Afternoon –

Division Orders

The Picquet is reduced to 179 Rank & file till further orders.

Field Offr. for Picquet tomorrow Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt. and 3rd Bn. Grenadiers].

Major of Brigade [William] Brown [52nd Regt.] Adjut. 1st. Battn. –

B:O: For Picquet tomorrow Ensn. [Angus] McDonald [71st Regt.]

For work at day break Lt. [George] Stewart [71st Regt.]

Morng B:O:

A Court Martial to sit at ten OClock to try the prisoners in the Qr. Guard

Capt. [Charles] Graham [42nd Regt.] Presidt.

Lt. [David] Kinloch [71st Regt.] & Lt. Jas. Fraser [71st Regt.] Members

The Prisoners to be Acquainted and Evidences to Attend –

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 7th. Octr. 76

Parole Brandenburg Cr. Sn. Kinsale

The Detachmts. of 42d. Regt. at Flat Bush and New Utrecht are to join their Regt. as soon as

relieved by Detachments from Brigr. Genl. [Oliver] Delancys Brigade.

A Detachmt. of an Officer, 2 Serjts. & 20 Men of Brigr. Genl. [Oliver] Delancy’s Brigade, will

march immediately After they have got their arms to Utrecht & Flat Bush & relieve the 42d. doing duty

there, taking charge of all Stores &ca. that may belong to His Majesty –

Brigr.Genl. Sir Wm. Erskine is appointed Qr. Mr. Genl. to this Army –

The Honble Capt. [Henry Edward] Fox of the 38th. Regt. is Appointed a Supernumerary Aid de

Camp to the Commander in Chief –

The 3d. & 4th. Brigades will take their proportion of the duty of 2d. & 6th. Brigades as [Lt.] Genl.

[Henry] Clinton shall be pleas’d to direct

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the following promotions

5th. Regt. Hugh Sutherland Volunteer 71st. to be Ensn. vice [William] Russel promoted 6th. Octr.

1776

23d. Regt. Capt. Lt. Fredk. McKenzie to be Capt. vice [Grey] Grove deceased do. – 1st. Lieut. Thos.

Gibbings [Gibbons] to be Capt. Lt. Vice McKenzie promoted do. – Ensn. Wm. Russell from 5th. Regt. to be

1st. Lt. vice Gibbings dd. do.

54th. Regt. Thos. Dante 2d. Grenadrs. Volunr. to be Ensn. vice [William Love] Patterson deceased

do. – John McDonald Volunr. to be Ensn. 2d. Battn. R: Highd. Emigrants vice [John] Day promoted 7th.

Octr. –

Notes: “Brigr Genl Delancys Brigade” was an American Loyalist brigade from New York.

Division Orders

The 3d. & 4th. Brigades to take the Guard of the 2d. & 6th. Brigades tomorrow furnished this

Morng. by the Reserve –

The Guard at the Hessian Hospital to be Relieved tomorrow by the Hessians a man to be sent

from that Guard to conduct the Relief – Field Offr. for Picquet tomorrow Lt. Colo: [Enoch] Markham [46th

Regt.] Major of Brigade [Benjamin] Baker [5th Regt.] Adjut. 2d. Battn.

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 8th. Octr. 1776

Parole Poland Cr. Sn. Warsaw

Major Genl. [Richard] Prescot is Appointed to Command of the 1

st. Brigade. Cap

t. Lieu

t.

[Thomas Welch] Walsh of the 17th. Regt. is appointed Aid de Camp to Major Genl. Prescot –

The two 71st. Grenadier Company’s of the 4th. Battn. Grenadrs. being very Sickly are to join their

Regt. The 42d. Grenadr. Company of said Battn. will join the 3d. Battn. of Grenadrs. under the Command of

Major [Francis] Marsh [46th Regt.] and Major [Hon. Charles] Stewart [43rd Regt.].

An Orderly Officer to attend daily at Head Qrs. from the 2d. & 6th. Brigades of British at Jamaica.

These Brigades to hold themselves in readiness to Embark at the Shortest notice –

Division Orders

Field Officer for Picquet tomorrow Major [Thomas] Dilkes [49th Regt. and 2nd Grenadiers] Brigade

Major [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Battalions] Adjut. [sic]

Notes: Although the 4th British Grenadier Bn. was disbanded, Lt. Peebles’ kept up his order book until Oct. 17, 1776 at

which point he began keeping a journal of the war.

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 9th. Octr. 1776

Parole [sic] –

Six days Provision will be issued tomorrow at the usual places – It is Strongly recommended to the

Commanding Officers of Corps that no part of them be Wasted –

Lt. [Charles] Hastings of the 12th. Regt. is Appointed to do duty with the 23d. Light Company

G:O: Head Qrs. New York Island 10th. Octr. 1776

The Troops will dress their four remaining days fresh Provisions tomorrow Afternoon.

Mr. Stapleton Surgns. Mate of the 22d. Regt. & Mr. Wood late Surgns. Mate of the 48th. Regt. are

appointed Mates to the Hospital –

The Revd. Mr. Moore is Appointed Deputy Chaplain to the Genl. Hospital –

Twenty Women from the 1st. 3d. & 4th. Brigades & 71st. Regt. to be sent to Hores [Horne’s] Hook

tomorrow Morng. at 8 O’Clock to be employed in the Genl. Hospital. The Purveyor of the Hospital will

apply to Comg. Offrs. in Town for What Women he may want

Notes: “Horne’s Hook” is located at Carl Schurtz Park on E. 89th St.

[3rd Brit. Gren. Bn.] Morng. Battn. Orders –

The Commanding Officer recommends to the Offrs. to send to the Battn. Store in N York all the heavy

baggage & such of their Camp necessarys as are not immediately required for the Men – Waggons are

now ready.

G:O: Head Qrs. N. York Island 11th. Octr. 1776

No Officer or Soldier is to be out of Camp at 5 O’Clock in the Afternoon except upon duty till

further orders –

The Majors of Brigade & orderly Officers are to Attend at the Artillery Park at five OClock this

afternoon –

Genl. After Orders 5 O’Clock

As soon as the Troops move against the Enemy Lieut. Genl [Henry] Clinton will Command the

1st. Division Consisting of the light Infantry, Reserve, Hessian Grenadrs. and Chasseurs – Lieut. Genl.

[Hugh] Earl Percy is to Command on N. York Island & Posts depending His Lordship will give his

Orders Accordingly.

The Troops that are under orders for Marchg. will Strike their Tents at Six this Evening, put their

Baggage on Board & be ready to March immediately.

The Patrol’s of the Advanced Posts are to be very alert in Securing all Suspected persons

Notes: Blocked by the strong American positions at Harlem Heights, on the night of Oct. 11, Gen. Howe moved his

forces around the American positions by water up the East River and through Hellgate to land at Throggs Neck (also

called Frog Neck). Throggs Neck is a peninsula jutting into Long Island Sound about ten miles east of Harlem.

G:O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck Saturday 12th. Octr. 76

The Picquets of the British Reserve & Hessian Grenadrs. to be Posted by Lieut. Genl. [Henry]

Clintons orders the Picquet to consist of 1 Sub: & 30 men from each Regt. with a Capt. from each

Brigade – The Picquets of the remaining Corps to be posted by the respective Commang. Offrs. in front of

their Qr. Guards.

A Picquet of a Sub: & 30 Men from the 1st. Brigade to march immediately to Head Qrs. where

they will be posted –

The Greatest order & regularity is once more recommended to the Troops.

G:O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck 13th. Octr. 76 Sunday

As soon as the Army in their several Movements come to their Ground ye. Major of Brigade &

Orderly Offrs. will Attend the Adjut. Genl. for Orders at Head Qrs. – At the same time & place, an Orderly

Serjt. from Each Brigade, or Corps not Brigaded is ordered always to Attend in order immediately to

convey any necessary Orders or intelligence

A Cattle Guard of a Serjt. Corpl. & 12 to mount immediately at the Qr. Mr. Genls. Qrs. to receive

all Cattle that may be taken up in obedience to the Orders of 22d. Augt. last

G: O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck Monday 14th. Octr. 1776

The Commanding Officers of Corps will Apply to the Qr. Mr. Genl. for Sloops to Embark their

Baggage on board of, in order to be ready to move upon the Shortest Notice –

A Major of Brigade of the British line is to Attend at Head Qrs. every Eveng. at 5 in case of the

necessity of distributing Orders to the Several Brigades. This duty to be taken in turn – Major of Brig:

this Eveng. [Thomas] Moncrieffe [59th Regt. and Grenadier Battalions]

A Picquet of an Officer Serjt. Corpl. & 20 men from the Brigade of Guards to Parade this Eveng.

half an hour before Gunfiring at the Qr. Mr. Genls. Qrs. where they will receive Orders from Major [John]

Small [Royal Highland Emigrants] –

B: O: [3rd Brit Gren. Bn.] No Officer to quit the Battn. Encampmt. without leave from the

Commanding Officer [Maj. Francis Marsh, 46th Regt.] or Major [Hon. Charles] Stuart [43rd Regt.] An

Addition to this Order of Yesterday of the Rolls being call’d every hour, it is to be in presence of an Offr.

pr Comy.

The heavy Baggage remaining wt. the Regts. to be sent tomorrow by break of day to Stephens

Point frog Neck & put on board the Vessels Allotted for them –

Thirty fascines to be made by each Regt. immediately & all the Waggons to be sent to Head Qrs.

as soon as they have taken the Baggage to the Shore –

[3rd Brit Gren. Bn.] B:O: ) An officer to put the Battalions Baggage on board the Gage Sloop at

day break tomorrow –

G:O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck Monday 15th. Octr. 1776 –

Thirty more fascines to be made by each Regt. – four days Provisions to the 19th. incluse. will be

immediately issued at the Landing Place & it is to be dress’d as soon as possible

Fresh Provisions for the Hospital & Offrs. will be distributed at the Qr. Mr. Gls. Qrs. this day at

Noon – The Wounded Men are to be put on board the Peace & Plenty Hospital Ship & the Sick Men on

Board the Fame –

Complaint having been made that the Women declined serving in the hospital Ships the

Commander in Chief is determined not to Allow any Woman remain with the Army yt. [that] refuses to

take a Share of this Necessary duty

A Working party of 200 Men with Officers in proportion from the 2d. & 6th. Brigades to parade at

Gun firing on the Road near Lord [Charles] Cornwallis’s Qrs. where an Engineer will Attend to receive

them – The fascines & Piquets made by the Several Regts. to be carried this Afternoon at 4 O’Clock &

lodg’d on the road opposite to Ld. Cornwallis’s Qrs.

The Majors of Brigade & Orderly Officers to Attend at 5 this Afternoon for orders –

D. [Division] O a Picqt. of 1 Capt. 2 Subs 2 Serjts. 1 Drum & 52 Rank & file to mount at 5 this Eneng. –

Genl. After Orders 5 O’Clock

As nothing can mark the unsteadiness Troops more than the frequent & useless firing of the

Advanced Posts, the Commander in Chief flatters himself it is unnecessary to remind the Army of the

Superiority they must have in discipline over the Enemy oppos’d to them – All the fascines not carried to

the Posts order’d this Morng. to be taken to the right of the 2d. Brigade –

The Guns belonging to the Brigade under the Command of his Excelly. Lt. Genl. [Leopold Philip]

DeHeister to be taken to Head Qrs. tomorrow morning at 8 OClock –

G:O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck Monday 16th. Octr. 1776 –

If there should be occasion to Embark, the Light Infantry & Grenadrs. of the Allied Army they

will Embark under the Command of Lt. Genl. [Henry] Clinton in the followg. order –

3 Battns. Lt. Infantry, Chasseurs, 3 Battn. of British Grenadrs. & 3 Battns. of Hessian Grrs.

No Officer or Soldier is to quit his Camp after Gun firing – The Majors of Brigade & Orderly

Officers are to Attend at 5 this Afternn. for Orders –

His Majesty has been pleased to a make the followg. Promotions

17th. L.D. [Light Dragoons] {Qr. Mr. [John] Jones of 20th. foot to be Cornet vice }14th. June 76

{[John St. Clair] Sinclair who Accepts }

16th. Regt. {Martin Ramsey Gent: to be Ensn. vice [Napier] Christie } 27 May

{removed to Ft. Guards }

22d. {Jas. Bulkley Gent. to be Ensn. vice [Thomas] Barrow prefer’d }5 July

28th. {Morris Green Festing Gent to be Ensn. Vice [William] Stewart prefer’d } 27 May

37th. {Leigh Gent: to be Ensn. Vice Pierce [Pearce] Addil. Comy. } 6 June

38th. Rich Brown Ensn. Vice [Lovet Ashe] Ash prefer’d 19th. June

47th. Thos. Spronor [Spooner] Genl. [sic] Ensn. Vice [Arthur] French pred. 22d. July

62d. {Lt. Rich Bailey of 23d. Regt. to be Capt. Additional Compy. } 1st. March

The Commander in Chief has been pleas’d to make the followg promotion –

23d. Regt. 2d. Lt. Jno. Campbell to be 1st. Lt. vice [Richard] Bailey. Michl. Jaxon [Jackson] Volunteer to be

2d. Lieut. vice Campbell –

N:B: March’d in the Night in order to Embark but it rain’d hard & the Troops return’d to their

Ground –

Note: The Ramsey and Bulkley promotions in this order were incorrect. In the 16th Regt. Martin Ramsay actually

replaced Ens. Thomas Barrow who was promoted to Lt. in the 16th Regt. In the 22nd Regt. Ens. Bulkley replaced Ens.

Christie who moved to the Guards. See the London Gazette for June 11 and July 13, 1776.

G:O: Head Qrs. Frog Neck Monday 17th. Octr. 1776

Commissions given by the Commander in Chief to Offrs. in Corps or Compys. raised in America

confer Rank during Service & no longer & all Offrs. so Commissiond [sic] when doing duty with his

Majesty’s Regular Troops are to be obey’d as youngest in their respective Ranks –

Seventy two men of Rogers’s Corps witht. Arms are to Attend the Artilly. of the Lt. Infantry &

Grenadrs. in the proportion of 5 Men to a three Pounder & 8 to a 6 Pr. –

The out Posts are not to allow any seamen whatever to pass them

Notes: “Roger’s Corps” in this order refers to the Loyalist unit raised by the French and Indian War commander of

Roger’s Rangers, Maj. Robert Rogers, who who joined the Loyalist cause during the American War for Independence.

The unit became known as the Queen’s Rangers.

[End Paper Notes]

7 Septr. [sic] Memo:

Mr Doyle lost a red pocket Book between Newtown & Bedford, any Soldier who brings it to the

Engrs Qrs will receive 2 dollars.

Notes: The entries from Peebles’ notebook following the entry dated “Dykers ferry 14th. Augt. 1776,” which are

dated between Sep. 7 and Sep. 24 appear to be memorandums written on end pages of a notebook and are

chronologically out of date, have been moved in this transcript to the end of the notebook.

17th Septr

Lost a Wallese [Valise] containing a Round Tent & Markee & Bag conting two camp chairs a bag

contining a Cap Table all of them markd Capt. Cavindish Lister of the Guards. Whoever has thim to give

Notice at Genl. [Edward] Mathews Qrs.

Memom. 18th. Septr.

Lost a Small Deal [pine] Box with Genl. [Sir William] Howe’s name cut upon it. Whoever brings it to

Head Qrs. will be rewarded.

24 Septr Memom.

Stray’d from N. York last night a dark Bay horse about 14 ½ high black legs long twisted tail Six year old

the property of Mr. Mallet, and Gentle

n. into whos hands he may fall will very much oblige him by

sending the horse to Colo Sheriffs Qrs.

The Regts. are not Expect the 4th. waggon from Qr. Mr. Genl. till they are order’d to march

lost a Silver lanist case Surgn. 44th

James Gregory on board the Duttow recoverd his Wounds fit to join [end of miscellaneous notes]

Source: “Orderly Book, 4th Battn Grenadrs, 4th Battalion Grenadiers” in “13 notebooks containing the journal of Lt.

[latterly Capt.] John Peebles of the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment, during the American War of Independence,”

National Archives of Scotland, at GD 21/492/2, Papers of the Cuninghame Family of Thorntoun, 1776-1782,

Edinburgh.